Massachusetts House Bill H4113

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/25
• Refer: 5/12/25

Caption

Relative to addressing higher education sexual misconduct

Impact

Should H4113 be enacted, it will directly modify Chapter 6, Section 168E of the General Laws by creating clearer definitions of terms related to sexual misconduct. The bill mandates that institutions request applicants to disclose any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct from previous employments or associations. This change aims to prevent individuals with a history of misconduct from gaining employment in settings where they may have authority over students, thereby enhancing overall campus safety.

Summary

House Bill H4113, proposed in the state of Massachusetts, focuses on addressing sexual misconduct among higher education employees. The bill aims to amend existing regulations surrounding the hiring process for positions likely to have direct contact with students. It introduces comprehensive definitions and outlines procedures for institutions to follow when dealing with applicants for faculty and staff positions. By establishing standards for background checks, the bill seeks to improve accountability and safety within educational establishments.

Contention

There could be contentious debates surrounding the balance between proper hiring practices and the right to privacy for applicants. Some may argue that extensive background checks and the requirement for disclosure may dissuade qualified candidates from applying, while others might advocate such measures as necessary for creating a safe educational environment. Additionally, the bill's implications on how institutions handle and share sensitive information related to complaints and findings could raise concerns about confidentiality and the potential for unfair bias in hiring decisions.