An Act establishing penalties for the filing of false reports against police officers

This bill amends Massachusetts law to create criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly file false misconduct reports against police officers. It defines a police officer to include employees of cities, towns, counties, the state, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority authorized to make arrests. Under the new provisions, anyone filing such a false report faces potential felony charges, including up to 20 years in state prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or up to 2½ years in jail, or a combination of these punishments. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies receiving these complaints to have the complainant read and sign a specific advisory statement warning them of the legal consequences of filing a knowingly false report.