Bill > H1893

This bill proposes changes to Massachusetts state law that aim to reduce legal penalties and protect vulnerable populations, specifically transgender people and low-income women. The bill makes three key modifications: first, it removes the language "Common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female" from Section 53 of Chapter 272, which appears to eliminate discriminatory terminology often used to target sex workers; second, it completely repeals Section 62 of Chapter 272, which likely contained additional punitive provisions related to sex work; and third, it adds a new section (Section 34B) to Chapter 94C that provides legal protection for individuals who report crimes. Specifically, under the new provision, a person who reports a crime in good faith cannot be charged or prosecuted for certain offenses, including possession of a controlled substance or soliciting sex, if the evidence for these offenses was discovered as a result of reporting the crime. This bill seems designed to reduce legal harassment of marginalized populations and create safer reporting mechanisms for individuals who might otherwise fear legal consequences for coming forward about criminal activities.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1893