Resolved, There shall be a task force to make recommendations on establishing statewide certification and updating training standards for sexual assault counselors.

The task force shall be comprised of the following members: the commissioner of the department of public health or their designee, who shall serve as chair; 1 representative designated by the governor’s council to address sexual assault and domestic violence; 1 representative from each of the 3 Massachusetts Independent rape crisis centers; 1 representative from the Victim Rights Law Center; 1 representative designated by Jane Doe, Inc.; 1 representative from Massachusetts office of victim assistance; and 1 sexual assault survivor designated by one of the 3 Massachusetts independent rape crisis centers.

The task force shall make recommendations on: (i) updating the statutory definition of “rape crisis center” and ''sexual assault counsellor'', defined in section 20J of Chapter 233; (ii) the curriculum and number of training hours required for certification of rape crisis center/program employees; (iii) the curriculum and number of training hours required for volunteer positions; (iv) the appropriateness of “Levels” of certification and corresponding criteria for each if so; (v) a fee structure for certification; (vi) the feasibility of and costs associated with establishing and maintaining licensure of rape crisis centers; and (vii) the feasibility of providing continuing education and college credits with the completion of training programs. 

The task force shall submit a report outlining its findings, along with any proposed legislation, with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2017.