A new legislative proposal in Massachusetts, Bill H.1708, seeks to criminalize sexual assault committed by rideshare operators. The bill was petitioned to the House by Rep. William C. Galvin, and to the Senate by Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch (S.1247).
H. 1708 would add significant legal protections for passengers, aiming to deter such abuse and ensure stronger legal accountability for those in the rideshare industry.
The proposed law includes several provisions, such as the definition of “sex offenses” and the establishment of penalties for rideshare operators who engage in indecent assault or rape during a ride. Specifically, Section 7 of the bill introduces a new statute that would punish any rideshare operator who commits indecent assault and battery on a passenger, with penalties of up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. Furthermore, Section 8 stipulates that a rideshare operator who engages in sexual intercourse with a passenger during a ride could face up to 20 years in state prison.
Additionally, the bill addresses the issue of consent, stating that a passenger in a rideshare vehicle is deemed incapable of consenting to sexual contact if the consent is procured during the ride. This is a crucial provision that ensures rideshare passengers are fully protected against potential exploitation by operators.
Extended Statute of Limitations
The bill also extends the statute of limitations for sexual assault committed by rideshare operators, aligning it with the existing statute of limitations for other sexual offenses involving minors. Specifically, Section 9 of the bill includes the crime of rape by a rideshare operator within the list of sexual offenses involving minors, extending the statute of limitations to 27 years.
Survivors of Rideshare Abuse Have Legal Rights
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, harassment, or abuse while using a rideshare service, it is important to know your legal rights. At Helping Survivors, we can connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in cases involving rideshare abuse. Even if you haven’t come forward yet, there is still time to seek justice. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us help guide you through the legal process.
