Bill > S1150

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to create new legal protections against child enticement by establishing specific criminal penalties for knowingly attempting to entice a child under 16 into a vehicle without proper permission. The legislation makes it a crime to engage with a child in this manner, with specific exceptions for individuals in official capacities such as law enforcement, emergency service providers, firefighters, bookmobile operators, nonprofit employees working with children, and education professionals when they are acting within the scope of their official duties. The bill includes an affirmative defense for those who can demonstrate they acted in a genuine emergency or with a reasonable belief they were protecting the child's health, safety, or welfare. Violations of this provision can result in significant criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment of up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in a house of correction, or both, along with a potential fine of up to $5,000. This legislation aims to provide an additional legal mechanism to protect children from potential predatory or dangerous interactions involving unauthorized attempts to entice them into vehicles.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1150