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MA S1153
Bill
AI Summary
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Creates new criminal offense (Section 22D of Chapter 265) for sexual assault of vulnerable adults by mandated reporters, persons with supervisory/disciplinary authority, or transportation service providers
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Punishes sexual intercourse with a vulnerable adult by up to 20 years in state prison for first offense; life imprisonment or any term of years for subsequent offenses
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Punishes indecent assault and battery on a vulnerable adult by up to 10 years in state prison (or 2.5 years in house of correction) for first offense; up to 20 years for subsequent offenses
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Defines "vulnerable adult" as a person 14 or older who is admitted to a mental health or residential facility, receiving services from DDS/DMH/Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, or residing in a long-term care facility
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Explicitly states that consent of the vulnerable adult is not a defense, and adds this offense to the sex offender registry requirements under Section 178C of Chapter 6
Legislative Description
Relative to the protection of vulnerable adults from sexual assault committed by mandated reporters, persons in a position of trust and providers of transportation
Last Action
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
2/5/2026