Massachusetts 194th General Court Status: Introduced 1 D cosponsors

H1998 — An Act establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

The bill establishes penalties for filing false reports against police officers.

This bill creates penalties for individuals who file false reports against police officers. It seeks to address the issue of misinformation regarding police conduct.

Summary

An Act establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers

Bill Text

  • Full text Current

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes new penalties for knowingly filing false allegations of misconduct against police officers and requires a mandatory information advisory for complainants.

  • Chapter 268, Section 32C

    Section 32C. Every person who files any allegation of misconduct against any police officer, knowing the report to be false, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years or by a fine of not more than $1000 or by imprisonment in jail for not more than 2 ½ years, or by both such a fine and imprisonment in jail.

    A new section is created that imposes severe penalties for individuals who file false complaints against police officers.

  • Chapter 268, Section 32C

    For the purposes of this section, “police officer” shall mean an employee of a city, town, county, the Commonwealth or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority authorized to make arrest.

    Defines who qualifies as a 'police officer' under the new section.

  • Chapter 268, Section 32C

    Any law enforcement agency accepting an allegation of misconduct against a police officer shall require the complainant to read and sign the following information advisory, all in bold-face type: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A POLICE OFFICER FOR ANY IMPROPER CONDUCT. THIS AGENCY MAY FIND THERE IS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SUBSTANTIATE YOUR ALLEGATION AND WARRANT ACTION ON YOUR COMPLAINT: EVEN IF THIS IS THE CASE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THE COMPLAINT AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED IF YOU BELIEVE AN OFFICER BEHAVED IMPROPERLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO MAKE A COMPLAINT YOU KNOW TO BE FALSE. IF YOU MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AN OFFICER KNOWING IT IS FALSE, YOU MAY BE PROSECUTED ON A FELONY CHARGE. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE ABOVE STATEMENT. I FURTHER REALIZE THIS COMPLAINT IS SIGNED UNDER THE PAINS AND PENALTIES OF PERJURY.

    Mandates law enforcement agencies to provide a specific advisory to complainants about the legal implications of filing a false complaint.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (203)

203 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 203 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

What does H1998 do?
An Act establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers
Who sponsors H1998?
H1998 is sponsored by Thomas M. Stanley (Democrat).
What is the current status of H1998?
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track H1998?
Track H1998 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 4 months ago · updated continuously

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