Endorsed Legislation
S.916 An Act relative to governmental and charitable tort liability
sponsored by Senator Brownsberger and Senator Lovely
Eliminates Massachusetts’ existing liability cap for claims of sexual abuse of a minor against charities and would narrow the immunity of governmental bodies for such claims. Increased liability may motivate charities and governmental entities to improve protocols to ensure that childhood sexual abuse does not occur within their organizations. Additionally, charities and governmental entities would be liable at the same level as forprofit companies for torts claims regarding childhood sexual abuse in Massachusetts.
H.1547/S.1077, An Act to improve protections relative to domestic violence
Sponsored by Rep. Natalie Higgins/Tram Nguyen & Sen. Michael Moore
Adds coercive control and technological abuse as a basis for Chapter 209A abuse prevention (restraining) orders and expands the statute of limitations in domestic violence cases to 15 years. The bill emphasizes that dangerous forms of abuse and control, existing outside of physical or threatened violence, impact survivors daily. It allows the civil court process to recognize said actions as a basis for a protective order.
H.2307/S.1492, An Act relative to gun crime data reporting and analysis
Sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Decker & Sen. Cynthia Creem
Expands the information required to be collected on guns traced to crimes under the 2014 firearms law and requires the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to partner with a non-profit or university to issue a biennial report analyzing the collected crime gun data and include aggregate non-identifying data.
H.544/S.268- An Act relative to healthy youth
Sponsored by Rep. James O’Day/Vanna Howard & Sen. Sal DiDomenico
Provides Massachusetts youth with the information and foundation they need to protect their health, encourage healthy relationships, and plan their futures. The bill requires certain schools to develop written policies that ensure parental or legal guardian notification of age-appropriate, medically accurate, LGBTQ-inclusive, and comprehensive sexual health education.
Healthy Youth Act Framework Public Comment Testimony
H.1918/S.1152- An Act relative to employment protections to victims of abusive behavior
Sponsored by Rep. Jay Livingstone & Sen. Cynthia Creem
Addresses existing gaps and inequities in current employment laws that leave many victims/survivors of abusive behavior vulnerable and at risk at work. The bill adds a prohibition against discrimination based on a person’s status as a victim/survivor of abusive behavior to existing employment nondiscrimination law; requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, without undue burden, to victims of abusive behavior to ensure employees’ safety and ability to address the abusive behavior for themselves or close family members; and updates the existing Abusive Behavior Leave Law (M.G.L. Chapter 149, Section 52E) to be consistent with new definitions and ensures that protections apply to prospective employees.'
H.1791/S.938- An Act protecting the safety of victims of violent crime
Sponsored by Rep. Chynah Tyler & Sen. Cynthia Creem
Statutorily protects the confidentiality of information contained in a crime victim’s compensation application.
H.1702/S.1019 An Act improving protections for sexual assault survivors
Updates Chapter258E, harassment prevention orders, to ensure protections are better aligned with Chapter 209A, abuse prevention orders. The bill adds human trafficking as a qualifying offense to obtain an order, affirms a judge’s ability to issue “stay away” orders, adds a firearms removal provision, and affirms a judge’s ability to protect a victim’s pets.
MOVA is implementing a 2021-2024 strategic plan that prioritizes improving our ability to effectively advocate for victims and survivors. We are committed to increasing our communication efforts with the victim service field, stakeholders, and the public regarding legislation impacting victims and survivors. For more information on the bills that the VWAB has endorsed, visit our website at mass.gov/mova.