An Act to protect employees of DCF

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect employees of the Department of Children and Families by criminalizing threats made against them. It specifically prohibits anyone from knowingly threatening a DCF worker in a way that creates a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. The legislation establishes penalties of up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both for violating these provisions. Additionally, it imposes the same maximum penalties on individuals who threaten DCF staff with the specific intent of preventing them from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.