H1998

Establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Establishes penalties for knowingly filing false reports against police officers in Massachusetts.

This bill amends Chapter 268 of the General Laws by adding a new section that imposes penalties on individuals who knowingly file false allegations of misconduct against police officers. Penalties include imprisonment in state prison for up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in jail for up to 2 ½ years, or both a fine and jail time. The definition of "police officer" includes employees of cities, towns, counties, the Commonwealth, or the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority authorized to make arrests.

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Sep 23, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Sep 16, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Sep 16, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order