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HD 1760

An Act relative to sexual assault by an officer

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 7 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill criminalizes sexual assault perpetrated by law enforcement officers in their official capacity, closing legal gaps and holding officers accountable for abuse of authority.

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Bill Summary · HD 1760

Legislative bill overview

HD 1760 creates criminal liability for law enforcement officers who engage in sexual assault while performing their official duties. The bill specifically addresses a legal gap where officers could potentially exploit their authority in situations involving arrests, custody, or official interactions.

Why this is important

Sexual assault by officers represents a severe abuse of power that exploits the inherent authority differential and vulnerability of individuals in police custody or subject to police authority. Closing this legal loophole provides explicit criminal consequences and protections for vulnerable populations while strengthening accountability mechanisms within law enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: Debate over what conduct qualifies as "sexual assault by an officer" and whether it applies only during formal custody or extends to all official interactions
  • Distinguishing consensual encounters: Questions about how to differentiate between genuinely consensual interactions between officers and civilians versus coercive situations where power dynamics create implicit pressure
  • Evidentiary challenges: Practical difficulties in prosecuting cases that often involve credibility disputes, limited witnesses, and power imbalances favoring officer testimony
  • Officer due process protections: Balance between protecting accused officers' rights to fair investigation and trial versus victim protections and preventing institutional cover-ups

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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