MA H1998

Filing a knowingly false misconduct allegation against a police officer would be punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, a fine up to $1,000, up to 2.5 years in jail, or both fine and jail time

"Police officer" is defined as any employee of a city, town, county, the Commonwealth, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority authorized to make arrests

Law enforcement agencies would be required to have complainants read and sign a bold-face advisory before accepting misconduct allegations against officers

The mandatory advisory must inform complainants of their right to file complaints while warning that knowingly false complaints constitute a felony offense subject to prosecution

Amends Chapter 268 of the General Laws by adding new Section 32C after existing Section 32B