Bill > H573

This bill aims to protect children from sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority by establishing comprehensive prevention and education measures. The bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law that requires schools to adopt an abuse prevention policy developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in consultation with child advocacy and child welfare agencies. The policy must outline a code of conduct for employees, identifying inappropriate behaviors and detailing reporting procedures. The bill mandates biennial training for school employees on recognizing, responding to, and preventing child sexual abuse, including specific guidelines for understanding behavioral cues, supporting student development, and handling abuse disclosures. Additionally, schools must provide age-appropriate sexual abuse education to students, teaching them how to recognize inappropriate behavior, understand body boundaries, communicate with trusted adults, and access resources. The bill also introduces legal consequences for adults over 21 in educational or care-related positions who engage in sexual relations with minors or students, including potential imprisonment, fines, sex offender registration, and professional license revocation. These provisions apply to various educational and care settings, covering students under 19 or under 22 with special needs who have not yet completed high school, and are designed to create a comprehensive framework for preventing sexual abuse and protecting vulnerable young people.

Education, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H573