HB 5243 - Sexual Misconduct Against Children

• Establishes Connecticut School Health Survey administered biennially to grades 9-12, based on federal Youth Risk Behavior Survey, with parental opt-out provisions and anonymous administration to protect student privacy.

• Requires Child Advocate to develop questions by October 1, 2022, assessing risk of youths becoming victims of sexual assault or misconduct by adults, to be included in the school health survey.

• Mandates Department of Education to develop uniform notification policy requiring local school boards to notify parents 21 days before survey administration and provide explanation of how parents can opt out.

• Expands list of mandated child abuse reporters to include youth sports coaches, athletic staff at higher education institutions, behavior analysts, and youth camp staff; requires training programs on identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

• Requires schools to implement comprehensive sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program by July 1, 2023, including teacher training on prevention and identification, age-appropriate student materials, and response protocols.

• Establishes task force to study online sexual abuse and exploitation of children during 2019-2021 period, requiring report by January 1, 2023, on allegations, arrests, prosecutions, and barriers to prosecution.

• Expands address confidentiality program to include victims of trafficking in persons and child abuse or neglect substantiated by Department of Children and Families.