Bill to close loophole in sexual assault cases moves to Governor Healey’s desk
BOSTON (WGGB/WSHM) - Massachusetts lawmakers are moving to close a long-criticized legal loophole in sexual abuse cases.
An amendment tied to the new state budget would make it a crime for any mandated reporter, including teachers, coaches, police officers and social workers, to have sex with a 16- or 17-year-old.
Under current law, those cases have not been a crime because the age of consent in Massachusetts is 16. The senate added the change to the state budget in May, the house signed on this Thursday, and the final spending plan now sits on Governor Maura Healey’s desk.
The governor has ten days to decide whether to sign the bill, and this new protection for teens, into law.
Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
Read the Original Article
This article was originally published by Western Mass News. Click below to read the full article on their website.
Visit Western Mass News