Bill > S1537

This bill establishes an Illicit Drink Spiking Response and Intervention Task Force within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to comprehensively address the issue of drink spiking. The task force, composed of 25 members representing various stakeholders including public health experts, law enforcement, medical professionals, and victim advocates, will be responsible for defining drink spiking, recommending standardized care protocols for hospitals, creating best practices for medical screening and treatment, developing trauma-informed examination procedures, and investigating potential new criminal statutes to hold perpetrators accountable. The bill requires the department to create a public website with resources for victims, including a list of known substances used in drink spiking, victim rights, and a reporting portal. Additionally, the legislation mandates that licensed bars, clubs, and restaurants post informational notices about drink spiking prevention, offer drug testing devices to customers (either for sale at cost or free of charge), and display these devices in prominent locations including bathroom areas. The task force must prepare its findings and recommendations within one year, and the department must launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign about drink spiking risks and safety strategies, targeting populations most at risk and partnering with various community organizations to spread the message effectively.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1537