Bill > SB542

This bill establishes new criminal offenses for clergy members who engage in improper sexual contact with individuals under their pastoral care or spiritual guidance. It defines "clergy member" broadly to include ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, or similar religious functionaries, and a "pastoral counseling or spiritual authority relationship" as one where the clergy member provides spiritual guidance, care, or support and exercises influence or authority over another person's well-being. The bill creates two degrees of offenses: "improper sexual contact by a clergy member in the first degree" for sexually explicit conduct and "in the second degree" for other sexual contact, both requiring the use of undue influence, coercion, or similar tactics. Penalties vary, with the first degree being a felony punishable by one to 25 years in prison and a significant fine, and the second degree being a high and aggravated misdemeanor for a first offense, and a felony with potential life imprisonment for subsequent offenses or after a prior sexual felony conviction. Importantly, the bill sets a 15-year statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses, meaning criminal proceedings can be initiated up to 15 years after the crime occurs.