MA H1734

Creates criminal penalties for adults over 21 employed by or contracting with schools or state departments (Youth Services, Children and Families, Mental Health, Developmental Services) who engage in sexual relations with youth they serve

Covers administrators, teachers, counselors, coaches, bus drivers, and similar authority figures at public and private schools and institutions

Protects youth under age 19 who have not received a high school diploma or GED, and special needs students under age 22 who have not graduated

Criminal penalties include up to 5 years in state prison or 2½ years in jail, fines up to $10,000, mandatory sex offender registration, and revocation of teaching certificates or professional licenses

Establishes that victims are legally deemed incapable of consent and creates a civil cause of action against offenders in addition to criminal prosecution