BOSTON - After years of being lost in committee, a bill aimed at protecting victims of sexual assault by a doctor or clergy member was finally signed by Gov. Maura Healey and celebrated on Monday. 

Of course, sexual assault is against the law, but there was a legal loophole making it hard to prosecute and prove consent. Because victims have gone to those providers for care and consented to the care, it was argued that meant they consented to the assault. 

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge says that finally, that ends in Massachusetts. 

“It's important that this was put on the books and, and making sure that prosecutors, you know, district attorneys could properly prosecute this heinous crime,” said Eldridge. 

Victims advocates have been pushing for this bill for years. Now that its signed, it would make illegal sexual assault if the victim consented under false pretenses. Most often when the victim sought legitimate services from clergy or doctors. 

“Hopefully this will give, a little bit more, hope for victims,” said Eldridge. “And also, restore the trust between, medical professionals or religious officials and those that they're charged and, you know, are giving an oath to take good care of.”

Now perpetrators could face up to 20 years in state prison for knowingly misrepresenting consent. This law goes into effect in early November.