MA H573

Creates new Chapter 119B requiring all public and private schools in Massachusetts to adopt abuse prevention policies developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in consultation with the Office of the Child Advocate, DCF, and Department of Early Education and Care

Mandates biennial training for all school-employed mandated reporters on prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse, with the department providing evidence-based training at no cost to schools

Requires schools to provide age-appropriate instruction to students on recognizing inappropriate adult behavior, understanding body boundaries, and reporting concerns to trusted adults

Creates a civil cause of action against employees or contractors (age 21+) of schools and state departments who engage in sexual relations with students under 19 (or under 22 with special needs) who have not yet received a high school diploma

Establishes criminal penalties of up to 5 years in state prison or 2½ years in jail, fines up to $10,000, mandatory sex offender registration, and license revocation for authority figures who engage in sexual relations with students in their care