H323 — An Act to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education

Summary

An Act to mandate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education

Bill Text

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The bill amends existing law to update definitions and regulations regarding cosmetology and barbering, including training requirements related to domestic violence and human trafficking awareness.

• Section 87T of chapter 112

  the definition of “Board” → the board of registration of cosmetology and barbering established in section 42 of chapter 13.

  Updates the definition of 'Board' to specify its formal title and establishment.

• Section 87BB of chapter 112

  the fifth paragraph → The board may establish rules and regulations as necessary for the proper conduct of schools, instructor qualifications, courses of study, hours of study and standards of professional training; provided, however, that the board shall require a school that teaches cosmetology to require enrolled students to complete at least 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training as approved by the board.

  Adds a requirement for cosmetology schools to provide domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training to students.

• After section 87DD of chapter 112

  Section 87DD1/2. The board shall, in consultation with the attorney general, make available on their website a sample sign to persons owning a shop, school or mobile business engaged in cosmetology, which shall be displayed in such shop, school or mobile business in a conspicuous manner that is clearly visible to patrons and employees. The sign shall be not less than 8 ½ inches high and 11 inches wide and shall contain the following notice: “WARNING. Obtaining forced labor or services is a crime under Massachusetts law. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity using threats, harm, or restraint – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or any other activity – call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. You can remain anonymous, and the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” The notice text shall be provided on the sample sign in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese and any other language recommended by the board. Annually, the board, in consultation with the attorney general, shall determine if the sample sign should be made available in any other language.

  Creates a requirement for cosmetology businesses to display a sign regarding human trafficking awareness.

• Section 87JJ of chapter 112

  the third paragraph → The board may establish rules and regulations as necessary for the conduct of post-secondary institutions, qualifications of instructors, courses of study, hours of study and standards of professional training; provided, however, that the board shall require a post-secondary institution that teaches cosmetology to require enrolled students to complete at least 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training as approved by the board.

  Implements a similar domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training requirement for students in post-secondary cosmetology programs.

• Chapter 258C

  Section 13A. No licensee, student or regular student under sections 87T to 87KK, inclusive, of chapter 112, or the employer of such licensee, student or regular student, who has completed at least of 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training as approved by the board of registration of cosmetology and barbering shall be: (i) criminally liable for acting in good faith or failing to act on information obtained during the course of employment in a cosmetology practice or enrollment in a school as defined in said section 87T of said chapter 112 concerning alleged domestic violence or sexual assault; or (ii) civilly liable for damages as a result of acts or omissions in providing or obtaining in good faith, or attempting to provide or obtain, such assistance or enrollment unless such acts or omissions constitute willful, wanton or reckless conduct.

  Provides legal protections against liability for those in the cosmetology field who complete the required training on domestic violence and sexual assault awareness.

Sponsors

• Christine P. Barber · Primary

Subjects