Bill > H390

This bill, titled "For public protection of our youth," amends Chapter 268 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 21A, to protect students and clients of various public and private institutions from inappropriate sexual contact by employees. Specifically, it declares that any person employed by a public or private school, institution of higher learning, the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Mental Retardation, or any private institution serving clients of these departments, is incapable of obtaining consent for sexual relations with a pupil or client under their employment or supervision. This applies to sexual relations occurring within or outside of any facility, and "sexual relations" is defined broadly to include intentional, inappropriate contact of a sexual nature, encompassing conduct already prohibited by other sections of law related to sexual offenses. The context for this legislation is the public protection of vulnerable youth and clients within these institutional settings.