Bill > S869

This bill proposes to create a new section in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268, to address sexual abuse by individuals in positions of authority within educational institutions and state departments. Specifically, it establishes that any person employed by or contracting with a public or private school, institution of higher learning, or certain state departments (including youth services, social services, mental health, and developmental disabilities), who engages in sexual abuse of a person under 19 years old being served by these entities, will face penalties of up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill clarifies that for the purposes of this new law, individuals served by these institutions are considered incapable of consenting to sexual relations with such persons, and "sexual relations" will be defined as per another section of the law. This provision aims to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from sexual exploitation by those in positions of trust and authority.