An Act relative to the age of consent in certain criminal prosecutions and civil actions for sexual assault and rape of a child

HD 645 updates Massachusetts law to address sexual abuse by employees or contractors in educational and child-serving settings. It creates new criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine) for staff who sexually abuse minors under 19 (or under 22 without a high school diploma/GED) served by schools, child services, or colleges. The law also establishes a civil lawsuit right for victims against such abusers, stating minors in these settings are legally deemed incapable of consent. These provisions apply specifically to individuals under 19 without a diploma/GED enrolled in or served by schools or colleges.