Bill > SB0081

This bill establishes a new criminal offense called "care provider sexual relations with an individual experiencing a vulnerability" that addresses sexual misconduct in healthcare and human services settings. The bill defines numerous terms, including what constitutes a "health care facility" and an "individual experiencing a vulnerability" - which refers to adults with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit their ability to protect themselves or manage daily needs. The legislation makes it a class A misdemeanor for a healthcare provider or employee of a healthcare facility or human services program to engage in sexual intercourse or take sexual liberties with an individual under their care who is experiencing a vulnerability, even if the individual does not explicitly resist. The bill specifically clarifies that consent is not a defense to this offense. The law does not apply if the actor was already in a pre-existing consensual sexual relationship with the vulnerable individual before providing care. The bill also specifies that this new offense is separate from more serious sexual crimes like rape or sexual assault, and will take effect on May 7, 2025. The key purpose is to protect vulnerable adults from sexual exploitation by those in positions of care and authority.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0081.html