Massachusetts Governor Healey signs new protections for sexual assault survivors into law 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today held a ceremonial signing for two new laws in the FY27 Budget that strengthen protections for young people, support survivors of sexual assault and hold offenders more accountable. These include a proposal from Governor Healey to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases when new DNA evidence identifies a suspect, as well as a provision to close a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority to exploit 16- and 17-year-olds. 

“As a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I spent years working alongside survivors of sexual violence. I saw firsthand the trauma they carry, and the extraordinary courage it takes to come forward. I also saw the devastation caused when our laws don’t do enough to protect survivors and hold offenders accountable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new laws close dangerous loopholes, strengthen protections for children, and make sure survivors have a better opportunity to seek justice. While no law can change what survivors have endured, we can take action to make our laws fairer, our communities safer and help survivors get the justice they deserve.” 

“Securing justice in sexual assault cases should not be hindered by laws with loopholes that protect offenders,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to the survivors who shared their stories and to the advocates who continued to fight for these necessary changes that are long overdue. Their courage has helped make Massachusetts safer for future generations.” 

“These two provisions are about protecting vulnerable residents, and about ensuring accountability and justice — two of government’s most fundamental responsibilities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank the advocates, survivors, and public officials who worked tirelessly to get these reforms to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

“This is what it looks like when we listen to survivors and act. Closing these loopholes means predators can no longer hide behind our laws instead of facing them,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Because of this budget, we now have the power to hold accountable anyone who has abused a position of trust to harm kids, and to get survivors the justice they deserve. I applaud the Governor for signing these provisions into law, and I’m grateful to Senator Lovely for her unwavering leadership in getting this done.”  

The first law, which was proposed by Governor Healey in January, allows prosecutors to bring rape charges when DNA evidence identifies a suspect after the standard 15-year statute of limitations has expired. The law allows criminal cases to move forward when advances in forensic science identify an offender years or even decades after an assault. 

The second law closes a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority, such as teachers, coaches, police officers, social works, and other mandated reporters, to claim that a 16- or 17-year-old consented to sexual conduct. The new law makes it clear that minors under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to any type of sexual conduct with someone who has exercised authority over them. The law also makes clear that an offender cannot avoid prosecution simply because that position of authority has ended.