Bill > HB2749

This bill amends the existing law regarding unlawful sexual relations to specifically include situations where an individual in a position of trust or authority uses that position to commit the offense against a person 16 years of age or older. This new provision, identified as subsection (a)(14), clarifies that such an offense occurs when the person in a position of trust or authority exploits their role to gain access to the victim, cause them to submit to sexual intercourse, lewd fondling, touching, or sodomy, or to maintain secrecy, compliance, or control over them. The bill also defines "person in a position of trust or authority" broadly to encompass various roles such as clergy, youth leaders, coaches, counselors, and mentors, among others, who exercise supervision, guidance, or influence over a child. The bill further specifies that this new provision will be classified as a severity level 5, person felony, and clarifies that if the conduct also meets the criteria for other, more serious sex offenses, those more serious charges will apply instead. Finally, the bill repeals the existing version of K.S.A. 21-5512 and enacts the new provisions.

Justice

Judiciary (House)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2749/