Third-Degree Sexual Assault (H 5817A)

This bill would have redefined third-degree sexual assault to include sexual contact between people in “positions of authority” with teenagers who are above the age of consent but who have not yet turned 18. It so expansively and subjectively defined a “position of authority” that we felt the bill could have criminalized some innocent and consensual teenage relationships. The bill ultimately was passed out of the House but was not taken up by the Senate and died.