Bill > S1153

This bill enhances legal protections for vulnerable adults by establishing stricter criminal penalties for sexual offenses committed by specific individuals in positions of trust or authority. The legislation defines a vulnerable adult as a person aged 14 or older who is admitted to a mental health facility, receiving services from state developmental or mental health departments, or residing in a long-term care facility. Under the new law, mandated reporters, individuals with supervisory or disciplinary authority, and transportation service providers who commit sexual intercourse or indecent assault and battery against a vulnerable adult can be severely punished. First-time sexual intercourse offenses can result in up to 20 years in state prison, while subsequent offenses can lead to life imprisonment. Similarly, indecent assault and battery offenses can result in up to 10 years in state prison or two and a half years in house of correction, with subsequent offenses potentially leading to 20 years in state prison. Critically, the bill stipulates that the consent of the vulnerable adult is not a valid legal defense, and prosecutions cannot be dismissed without a formal finding. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to include sexual assault of vulnerable adults in the definition of sex offenses, which likely has implications for sex offender registration and tracking.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1153