Bill > H1202

This bill, titled "Providing protection from child enticement," amends existing Massachusetts law to create a new offense specifically targeting the enticement of children. It makes it illegal for any person to knowingly entice a child under the age of 16, or someone they believe to be under 16, to enter a vehicle without the permission of the child's parent or legal guardian. This prohibition applies unless the person is a law enforcement officer, emergency services provider, firefighter, or other authorized individual acting within the scope of their official duties, or if they are operating a bookmobile or similar educational vehicle, or are a paid employee or volunteer of a nonprofit or religious organization providing children's activities. The bill also includes an affirmative defense, meaning a person can avoid conviction if they prove they acted in response to a genuine emergency or a reasonable belief that their actions were necessary to protect the child's health, safety, or welfare. Violators of this new law could face imprisonment for up to five years in state prison or two and a half years in a house of correction, along with a fine of up to $5,000.