Bill > H1998

This bill establishes new legal penalties for individuals who knowingly file false misconduct allegations against police officers in Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill creates a new section in Chapter 268 of the state's General Laws that would make filing a false police misconduct report a serious criminal offense, punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or up to 2.5 years in jail, or a combination of these penalties. The law defines a "police officer" broadly as any employee of a city, town, county, the Commonwealth, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority who is authorized to make arrests. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to have complainants read and sign an information advisory that warns them about the potential legal consequences of filing a knowingly false report, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to file complaints, making a false allegation is a felony offense. This legislation aims to deter false reporting while preserving the legitimate right of citizens to file misconduct complaints against law enforcement officers.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1998