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HD 1482

An Act relative to sexual assault counselor task force

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 7 co-sponsors

Establishes a task force to study and set certification standards for sexual assault counselors and rape crisis centers, with a 12-month report and possible licensure pathways.

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Bill Summary · HD 1482

Summary: An Act Relative to Sexual Assault Counselor Task Force (HD 1482)

Purpose

This bill would establish a dedicated task force to study and recommend a statewide framework for certifying sexual assault counselors and updating training standards. The goal is to create consistent definitions, training hours, certification levels, and related costs, with an eye toward the potential licensure of rape crisis centers and ongoing education opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a task force: A temporary group charged with making recommendations on certification and training for sexual assault counselors and rape crisis centers.
  • Definitions to be updated: The task force would consider updating the statutory definitions of “rape crisis center” and “sexual assault counselor” in section 20J of chapter 233 of the General Laws.
  • Training and certification standards:
    • Curriculum and training hours for certification of rape crisis center employees and program staff.
    • Curriculum and training hours for volunteers.
    • Evaluation of “levels” of certification and corresponding criteria.
  • Certification and licensure considerations:
    • A proposed fee structure for certification.
    • Feasibility and costs of establishing and maintaining licensure of rape crisis centers.
    • Feasibility of providing continuing education and college credits tied to training programs.
  • Reporting: The task force must prepare and submit a report detailing findings and any proposed legislation to the clerks of the Senate and House and to the chairs of the Ways and Means committees within 12 months after the act’s effective date.

Membership

The task force would include:
- The Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (or a designee) who would serve as chair.
- 1 member designated by the Governor’s Council (addressing sexual assault and domestic violence issues).
- 1 member designated by Pathways for Change, Inc.
- 1 member designated by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.
- 1 member designated by the Center for Hope & Healing.
- 1 member designated by the Victim Rights Law Center, Inc.
- 1 member designated by Jane Doe, Inc.
- 1 member from the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance.
- Up to 3 members who shall be sexual assault survivor(s) designated by consensus of Pathways for Change, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, and the Center for Hope & Healing.

Timeline and Process

  • Effective date: The act would become effective upon passage (the proposal refers to actions “not later than 12 months after the effective date of this act” for the reporting deadline).
  • Reporting deadline: The task force must file its report no later than 12 months after the act’s effective date.

Potential Impact

  • Establishes a formal, cross-organizational process to harmonize certification and training for sexual assault counselors.
  • Could lead to updated definitions and potential licensure pathways for rape crisis centers.
  • Provides a structured pathway for continuing education credits and college credit alignment with training programs.
  • Sets a clear, single-year reporting milestone to inform future legislation or regulatory changes.

Context

  • The bill follows a previously similar proposal filed in a prior session (House No. 2195, 2023-2024).
  • This version is presented as House Bill 1482 (HD 1482) in the 2025-2026 session, introduced by Representative Natalie M. Higgins.

Note: The status field in the provided materials is not filled beyond entry indicators; the text describes the proposed framework and timeline rather than immediate regulatory changes.

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

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