Massachusetts House Bill H1998

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers

Impact

The implementation of H1998 would represent a notable shift in the legislative landscape regarding police accountability and the legal repercussions of submitting false claims. If enacted, it would underscore the seriousness with which false reports are treated and could serve to deter individuals from making unsubstantiated allegations against police officers. This could additionally impact public interactions with law enforcement, as individuals might be more cautious about their complaints knowing there could be serious consequences attached to accusations deemed knowingly false.

Summary

House Bill 1998, introduced by Representative Thomas M. Stanley, aims to impose significant penalties for individuals who file false allegations of misconduct against police officers. The proposed legislation would add a new section to Chapter 268 of the General Laws, defining a clear pathway for prosecution of those who knowingly submit false accusations. The penalties outlined in the bill include imprisonment in state prison for up to twenty years and/or fines reaching $1000, creating a strict legal framework aimed at curbing false reporting against law enforcement personnel.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions about the balance between holding police accountable for misconduct and protecting the public from potential criminal prosecution for reporting alleged wrongdoing. Critics may argue that the legislation could chill legitimate complaints by instilling fear of severe repercussions if a complaint does not proceed as intended. Additionally, concerns regarding the potential misuse of the law by law enforcement agencies could arise, including fears that it may be used to intimidate individuals from filing genuine complaints about police misconduct.