HB 1371 Summary

• Creates new crime of therapist sexual contact with patients, defined as felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine; applies to licensed and unlicensed therapists including physicians, psychologists, counselors, social workers, clergy, and mental health providers.

• Expands definition of "therapist" to include sexual contact offenses in existing sexual battery statute (Section 97-3-95) regarding minors; consent of patient is not a defense.

• Adds violation of therapist sexual contact prohibition as grounds for disciplinary action and license revocation for physicians, psychologists, marriage/family therapists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors.

• Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for persons reporting abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, or human trafficking in good faith; requires certain professionals to report when they learn an adult was abused as a child by someone associated with their organization.

• Clarifies mandatory reporting requirements for sex crimes against minors and provides immunity to mandatory reporters acting in good faith.