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

The task force shall consist of the commissioner of the department of public health or a designee, who shall serve as chair; 1 member designated by the governor’s council, who shall address sexual assault and domestic violence issues;1 member designated by Pathways for Change, Inc.; 1 member designated by Boston Area Rape Crisis Center; 1 member designated by the Center for Hope & Healing;  1 member from the Victim Rights Law Center, Inc.; 1 member designated by Jane Doe, Inc.; 1 member from the Massachusetts office of victim assistance; and 1 member who shall be a sexual assault survivor designated by consensus of Pathways for Change, Inc., the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and the Center for Hope & Healing.

The task force shall make recommendations on: (i) updating the statutory definitions of “rape crisis center” and “sexual assault counselor” in section 20J of chapter 233 of the general laws; (ii) the curriculum and number of training hours required for certification of rape crisis center and 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; (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, to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives and to the chairs of the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than 12 months after the effective date of this act.