Governor Healey Signs New Laws Ending Sexual Assault Loopholes

Healey signs law closing loophole on abuse by authority figures

BOSTON — Friday morning marked a significant victory for sexual assault victims who watched as Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed adults in positions of authority to engage in sexual relationships with minors.

Gov. Healey signs bill to protect young abuse victims

Gov. Maura Healey today signed a new bill into law in Massachusetts, aimed at protecting young sexual abuse victims.

Governor Healey signs new laws ending sexual assault loopholes

Governor Maura Healey signed 2 new laws aimed at giving survivors of sexual assault a better shot at justice

Massachusetts changes rape, abuse laws after yearslong fight

Loopholes prevent sex crime survivors from seeing justice finally done.

Lawmakers recognize law to close legal loophole in Massachusetts

Friday Massachusetts lawmakers gathered to close the legal loophole that the governor said should never have existed in the first place. Friday Governor Maura Healey recognized the new laws closing the legal loophole that allowed authority figures who engaged in sexual activity with teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 to claim consent and avoid prosecution. The law also allows exceptions to the state's statute of limitations when a DNA analy…

Massachusetts Strengthens Sexual Assault Protections with New DNA Evidence Rules, Authority-Figure Safeguards

Today Governor Maura Healey held a ceremonial signing for two provisions in the Fiscal Year 2027 bud