Bill > H1162

This bill establishes penalties for knowingly filing false reports of misconduct against police officers, defining "police officer" broadly to include employees of cities, towns, counties, the Commonwealth, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) who are authorized to make arrests. Under this legislation, individuals found to have knowingly filed a false report could face 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 such a complaint would be required to have the complainant read and sign an advisory statement, printed in bold type, informing them of their right to complain, the possibility of insufficient evidence for substantiation, and the legal consequences, including felony prosecution, for knowingly making a false accusation.