Massachusetts Removes 15-Year Limit for Rape Prosecutions When DNA Links Suspect

Governor Maura Healey signed a bill that eliminates the existing 15-year statute of limitations for rape cases when a DNA match is made after that period. The law permits prosecutors to file charges indefinitely for such matches, while retaining the 15-year deadline for matches identified within the original window. The measure was approved as part of the state’s $63.4 billion budget and became effective upon the governor’s signature, which must occur by July 11.

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Massachusetts has enforced a 15-year limit on adult-victim rape prosecutions since 2011, despite repeated legislative attempts to modify it. Investigations by WBUR and ProPublica revealed that 47 other states allow longer periods, many having extended deadlines as DNA technology advanced and as evidence of under-investigated cases accumulated. The new statute reflects a shift toward leveraging forensic evidence to address historic sexual assaults.

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• Governor Maura Healey – Executive sponsor of the bill.

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• Rep. Adam Scanlon (D) – Legislative champion who worked with survivors for five years.

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• Survivors – Including “Louise,” a victim whose case highlighted the limitation’s impact.

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• Suffolk County prosecutors – Charged a suspect in 2022 but were forced to dismiss due to the prior deadline.

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• Defense attorneys – Opposed the amendment on grounds of accused-rights concerns.

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Healey emphasized that contemporary DNA capabilities warrant legal updates, framing the change as a means to expand justice pathways and enhance public safety. Scanlon described the amendment as delivering hope to survivors and correcting a longstanding procedural barrier. State officials noted the bill’s passage after a month-long budget deliberation.

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Defense counsel argued that extending the limitation period could infringe on constitutional protections for the accused, warning that evidence degradation over time might compromise fair trials. Their opposition was voiced during legislative debates but did not prevent enactment.

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In October 2005, Louise was raped and repeatedly stabbed in Boston. A DNA match in 2022 linked an area man to the assault and to another rape, prompting Suffolk County prosecutors to file charges. The case was dismissed because the statute of limitations had already expired, a outcome the survivor said would have been avoided under the new law. Louise testified before legislators, expressing relief that the statute now allows renewed pursuit of justice.

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The legislation applies only when a DNA match occurs after the 15-year window; it does not retroactively revive cases whose limitations expired before the law’s enactment. Clarification is needed on how many pending investigations will qualify for the extended filing period and on procedural guidelines for evidence handling in older cases.

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• “Today, DNA evidence can provide new answers years later, and our laws should reflect that reality,” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts

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• “This change gives survivors another path to justice while helping law enforcement hold violent offenders accountable.” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts

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• “I never fathomed that time lapsing would be an issue.” — Louise, survivor

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• “It’s nice to have the government move in the right direction, which builds a sense of trust, a sense of safety — and justice,” — Louise, survivor

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The law takes effect immediately after the governor’s signature, prompting prosecutors to review cold cases for DNA matches beyond the former deadline. State agencies will issue guidance on evidentiary standards, and advocacy groups plan to monitor the law’s impact on survivor outcomes and due-process safeguards.

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