Bill
S 1590
Creates a task force to study and recommend statewide certification and updated training for sexual assault counselors and rape crisis centers in Massachusetts.
Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary; introduced 01/14/2025 (Senate No. 1590). Filed as a resolve creating a study/task force. Report due 12 months after the act’s effective date.
Purpose
- Create a task force to study and make recommendations for establishing statewide certification and updated training standards for sexual assault counselors and rape crisis center staff and volunteers in Massachusetts.
What the bill would do (key provisions)
- Establish a task force chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (or designee).
- Prescribe task force membership: representatives designated by the Governor’s Council (addressing sexual assault/domestic violence), Pathways for Change, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Center for Hope & Healing, Victim Rights Law Center, Jane Doe, Inc., Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance, and up to three sexual assault survivors designated by consensus of three specified rape crisis organizations.
- Direct the task force to make recommendations on:
1. Updating statutory definitions of “rape crisis center” and “sexual assault counsellor” (referenced in G.L. c.233, §20J).
2. Curriculum content and number of training hours required for certification of rape crisis center/program employees.
3. Curriculum and training hours required for volunteer positions.
4. Whether to establish “levels” of certification and the criteria for any levels.
5. A fee structure for certification.
6. Feasibility and cost estimates of establishing and maintaining licensure for rape crisis centers.
7. Feasibility of awarding continuing education units and college credits for completion of training programs.
- Require the task force to submit a report with findings and any proposed legislation to the clerks of the Senate and House and to the chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means within 12 months after the act’s effective date.
Who would be affected
- Rape crisis centers and programs in Massachusetts.
- Current and prospective sexual assault counselors (paid staff and volunteers).
- Sexual assault survivors who use services.
- State agencies involved in public health, victim services, and oversight (notably DPH and the Office of Victim Assistance).
- Institutions that might provide continuing education or college credit for training.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Filed in the Senate (Senate Docket No. 703 / Senate No. 1590) 01/14/2025.
- Referred to Judiciary and to Public Health in January–February 2025; Attorney General opinion requested.
- Hearing(s) and committee referrals noted in provided actions (hearing scheduled 07/10/2025; reported favorably and referred to Senate Ways & Means 09/04/2025; read and referred to Finance 05/05/2025).
- Final task force report due within 12 months after the effective date of the resolve.
Potential impacts and considerations
- As a study/resolve, the bill does not itself change certification or licensing rules; it directs development of recommendations and proposed legislation.
- If recommendations lead to uniform statewide certification or licensure, potential benefits include standardized training, clearer definitions, and possibly higher quality and accountability of services.
- Possible trade-offs include costs to centers for compliance, fees for certification or licensure, administrative burdens, and equity concerns for smaller or volunteer-based programs. The bill specifically asks the task force to analyze feasibility and costs.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
