Bill to criminalize person of authority for having sexual relations with minors heads to Gov. McKee’s desk
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A bill that would make it third degree sexual assault for a person of authority to engage in sexual relations with anyone under 18 is heading to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed the bill Tuesday, several days after the R.I. Senate unanimously approved the measure.
The goal of the bill is close a loophole where third-degree sexual assault is defined as sexual relations between someone over 18 and between a minor between the ages of 14 and 16. Someone found guilty of third-degree sexual assault faces up to five years in prison.
“There has been a deluge of reports of teachers and coaches behaving inappropriately. We need to make certain the consequences of such reprehensible crimes are severe and appropriate,” Senate bill sponsor Sen. Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23) said.
A House version was authored by Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-Dist 31), which was also passed by the House and is poised to be passed by the Senate.
The bill has gained prominence since the allegations regarding naked fat tests has surfaced against former North Kingstown High School boy’s basketball coach Aaron Thomas.
