MA H2031

Establishes a task force to conduct a systematic review of Massachusetts laws pertaining to domestic violence and sexual assault reports and confidentiality

Task force membership includes the Attorney General, president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, State Police colonel, executive director of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, and 8 legislative/gubernatorial appointees (with requirements that several represent domestic/sexual violence programs or be survivors)

Task force responsibilities include assessing the adequacy of current confidentiality laws (particularly Section 97D of Chapter 41), reviewing their impact, and developing recommendations to protect survivor confidentiality without shielding perpetrators

Report with findings and legislative recommendations due to the legislature within 18 months of the act's effective date, with the task force determining if additional reports are needed