An Act relative to expanding protections against incest

This bill amends Massachusetts law to broaden the definition of incest by including relationships based on affinity, such as marriage, and adoption in addition to blood relations. It directly affects individuals accused of or involved in sexual relationships with step-relatives or adopted family members, who would previously not fall under the legal definition of incest. By adding these terms to the statute, the legislation ensures that sexual acts between these newly included categories of relatives are treated as criminal offenses. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage, updating the legal framework without altering penalties or other procedural aspects.