The bill amends Chapter 6 of the General Laws to improve the reporting and analysis of sexual misconduct incidents at higher education institutions in the Commonwealth. It mandates the Department of Higher Education (DHE) to collect and report data on these incidents annually, requiring institutions to submit detailed reports by December 1 each year. These reports must include the total number of reports made, investigations conducted by law enforcement, findings of responsibility, and disciplinary actions taken. The DHE will analyze this data and publish an annual report that provides aggregate statewide information on the frequency and nature of sexual misconduct. Additionally, the bill introduces a new online portal for institutions to streamline data submissions while ensuring compliance with privacy laws.

The bill also outlines the DHE's ongoing efforts to enhance the data collection process and emphasizes collaboration with agency partners and stakeholders. It highlights the success of the 2021 Campus Sexual Assault Law in promoting transparency and improving campus safety. Looking ahead, the DHE will refine the data collection process for the Year 4 annual reporting, which will begin on October 1, 2024, and be due by December 1, 2024. The bill reinstates the unknown party reporting line item to enhance the comprehensiveness of the data collected, responding to requests from several institutions of higher education.