Bill > H1634

This bill strengthens legal protections for children against sexual assault by adults in positions of trust or authority. The legislation expands the definition of "position of trust, authority or supervision" to include a wide range of roles such as teachers, coaches, tutors, mentors, parents, guardians, child care providers, and others who have regular contact with children. The bill establishes more stringent criminal penalties for indecent assault and battery and sexual intercourse with children, particularly when the perpetrator is in a position of trust. For offenses involving children under 14, the bill mandates a minimum 10-year prison sentence without the possibility of reduced sentencing, probation, parole, work release, or early release for good conduct. The bill also clarifies that children under 18 are deemed incapable of consenting to sexual conduct with someone in a position of authority, and that the end of the trust relationship does not serve as a legal defense. Additionally, the bill makes technical amendments to existing legal statutes to incorporate these new provisions, ensuring that these serious offenses cannot be continued without a finding or placed on file, which strengthens accountability for sexual crimes against children.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1634