BOSTON (WGGB/WSHM) - Governor Maura Healey signed 2 new laws aimed at giving survivors of sexual assault a better shot at justice and closing dangerous loopholes in Massachusetts law.

One change eliminates the statute of limitations for rape cases when new DNA evidence identifies a suspect after the usual 15-year deadline. This will allow prosecutors to bring charges years or even decades later.

The other law makes it clear that 16- and 17-year-olds cannot legally consent to any sexual conduct with adults in positions of authority over them. This includes teachers, coaches, police officers, social workers and other mandated reporters, even after that formal role ends.

Healey said the reforms “close dangerous loopholes” and come after years of advocacy from survivors who shared their stories at the state house.

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