SB829 Summary

• Extends statute of limitations for failure to notify by mandated reporters from one year to ten years after the child victim reaches eighteen years of age if the child was subject to child maltreatment.

• Clarifies sexual assault in the second degree to apply to teachers, principals, athletic coaches, or counselors in public or private K-12 schools who use their position of trust or authority to engage in sexual contact with students under twenty-one years of age.

• Creates new offense of possession of sexually explicit digital material by juveniles, classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with affirmative defenses available and option for eight hours of community service on first offense.

• Expands definition of mandated reporters to include mental health paraprofessionals and clarifies that public or private school counselors and school officials including higher education institutions must report child maltreatment.

• Prohibits employers or supervisors of mandated reporters from prohibiting, requiring permission for, or retaliating against employees making child abuse reports to the Child Abuse Hotline, making violations a Class A misdemeanor.