The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 11-37 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section titled "Custodial Sexual Assault." This new section defines the crime of custodial sexual assault, which occurs when a peace officer engages in sexual penetration with a person who is detained, in custody, under arrest, confined in a correctional or law enforcement facility, in a work release program, or on probation, parole, or other form of conditional or supervised release. The bill outlines that the peace officer must be responsible for or have supervisory authority over the victim, or have the authority to influence the terms of the victim's release, and that the officer is not married to the victim. It also specifies that the circumstances described in §§ 11-37-2 or 11-37-4 do not apply to this offense.

The bill stipulates that a conviction for custodial sexual assault would result in imprisonment for up to three years. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals convicted under this section would not be subject to the provisions of chapter 37.1 of the title. The bill includes a provision for an affirmative defense, which the accused can prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the act of sexual penetration occurred due to force or coercion by the other person. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.