Bill > S1663

This bill establishes new requirements for municipal police and fire departments regarding employees who are registered sex offenders. Specifically, the legislation mandates that if a sex offender is employed by a municipal police or fire department, the state's sex offender registry board must immediately send the offender's registration data to the employer and, in the case of a police officer, to the Massachusetts peace officer standards and training commission for potential decertification review. The bill requires these departments to conduct sex offender registry checks on their employees at least every two years. When informed that an employee is a registered sex offender, the department must verify the information, review it thoroughly, provide opportunities for the employee and potential victims to be heard, and issue written findings. The bill establishes different consequences based on the sex offender's classification level: level 3 sex offenders must be terminated, while level 1 and 2 sex offenders may face disciplinary actions ranging from minor sanctions to termination. Departments are also required to maintain records of these reviews and determinations for at least 15 years. The goal of the bill appears to be enhancing transparency and safety within municipal public safety departments by creating a structured process for addressing employees who are registered sex offenders.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1663