MA S1150

Amends Section 26C of Chapter 265 of the General Laws to create a new offense prohibiting knowingly enticing a child under 16 into any vehicle without parental permission

Exempts law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency services providers, bookmobile operators, nonprofit/religious organization employees and volunteers working with children, and board of education personnel when acting within their lawful duties

Provides an affirmative defense for actions taken in response to a bona fide emergency or reasonable belief that intervention was necessary to preserve the child's health, safety, or welfare

Penalties include imprisonment in state prison for up to 5 years, or house of correction for up to 2.5 years, or both imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000

Sponsored by Senator Jason M. Lewis (Fifth Middlesex) and referred to the Judiciary Committee; similar legislation was filed in the 2023-2024 session as Senate No. 1030