Bill > H404

This bill establishes penalties for individuals who knowingly file false reports of misconduct against police officers, defining a "police officer" broadly to include employees of cities, towns, counties, the Commonwealth, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority who are authorized to make arrests. Under this proposed law, anyone who files such a false allegation could face significant consequences, including imprisonment in state prison for up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment in jail for up to two and a half years, or a combination of a fine and jail time. Additionally, any law enforcement agency receiving a misconduct complaint against an officer would be required to have the complainant read and sign a written advisory statement, clearly informing them that making a knowingly false complaint is illegal and can result in felony charges, and that they are signing the complaint under penalty of perjury.