Bill > S1361

This bill amends Section 15 of chapter 32 of the General Laws to protect innocent beneficiaries, meaning individuals who are set to receive benefits, from losing those benefits due to the misconduct of another person, referred to as the "member." Specifically, an innocent beneficiary will not have their benefits forfeited if they can prove they did not know and had no reason to know about the member's conduct, or if it would be unfair to hold them responsible, or if they were a victim of the member's actions. The bill clarifies what "knowledge or reason to know" means, considering all circumstances including the nature of the conduct, the beneficiary's involvement, education, and any deliberate failure to inquire. It also defines "inequity" as a significant benefit received by the beneficiary, beyond normal support, and defines "victim" broadly to include anyone suffering harm, including financial, emotional, or physical harm, as a result of the member's criminal acts or violations of abuse or harassment prevention orders.