Overview: H 1997, An Act relative to the protection of vulnerable adults from sexual assault committed by mandated reporters, persons in a position of trust, and providers of transportation.
Status: Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable adults against sexual assault, particularly when committed by individuals in positions of trust or authority, such as mandated reporters or transportation providers.
Key Provisions:
- Expands the definition of "mandated reporter" to include individuals who provide transportation services to vulnerable adults
- Establishes new criminal penalties for mandated reporters, persons in a position of trust, and transportation providers who sexually assault vulnerable adults
- Requires additional training and background checks for those providing transportation services to vulnerable adults
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Vulnerable adults, including the elderly, disabled, and those with mental health or cognitive impairments, would be better protected from sexual assault
- Mandated reporters, such as healthcare workers, and transportation providers would face increased scrutiny and potential criminal liability for sexual misconduct
- The state may need to allocate additional resources for training, background checks, and enforcement of the new regulations
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been scheduled for a public hearing in the state legislature. If passed, the new protections and requirements would go into effect upon enactment.
