Bill > H1734

This bill aims to prevent sexual misconduct by educators and authority figures in schools and certain state departments by establishing legal consequences for sexual relations with students or clients under specific age and educational circumstances. The bill creates two new legal provisions: a civil cause of action and a criminal offense for individuals over 21 who are employed by or contract with public or private schools, youth services, children and families, mental health, and developmental services departments. For both provisions, the law applies to sexual relations with individuals who are under 19 and have not received a high school diploma, or under 22 with special needs who have not received a high school diploma. The criminal provision specifically mandates potential imprisonment (up to 5 years in state prison or 2½ years in jail), a fine of $10,000, mandatory sex offender registration, and for licensed professionals like teachers, revocation of their professional license. Critically, the bill stipulates that individuals served by these institutions are legally deemed incapable of consenting to sexual relations with employees or contractors in positions of authority, which is designed to protect vulnerable young people from sexual exploitation by those entrusted with their care and education.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1734