Bill > S2465

This bill mandates that all degree-granting higher education institutions in Massachusetts, both public and private, must establish and make available comprehensive policies addressing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These policies must detail reporting procedures, emergency assistance resources, available support services, and the rights of students and employees, including their right to notify law enforcement and seek protective orders. Institutions are also required to implement trauma-informed response protocols, conduct annual prevention programming for new students and employees, and designate confidential resource advisors to assist reporting parties. Furthermore, institutions must enter into agreements with community-based sexual assault crisis centers and domestic violence agencies, and publicly share data on allegations and outcomes related to these offenses. The bill also establishes a campus safety advisor within the department of higher education to promote best practices and coordinate safety efforts across institutions, and outlines reporting requirements for institutions to the department of higher education and legislative committees.