Bill > H1347

This bill proposes to create a new section of law that addresses sexual abuse by individuals employed by or contracting with public or private schools, institutions of higher learning, or specific state departments (youth services, social services, mental health, developmental disabilities) and their contracted private institutions. If such an individual engages in sexual abuse of a person under 19 who is served by these entities, they could face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Crucially, for prosecutions under this new law, any individual served by these schools, departments, or institutions will be legally considered incapable of consenting to sexual relations with the perpetrator, regardless of their actual age, with the definition of sexual relations referring to another section of law. This provision aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals receiving services from these institutions.