St. Paul – State Representative Drew Christensen, R-Savage, introduced a bill that will protect high school aged students from predatory sexual behavior from teachers or others in a position of authority. Under this bill, it extends to high school students ages 16- 21 the protections afforded to other minors from adults who may abuse or take advantage of their position of authority.
"After hearing about incidents of teachers victimizing students and prosecutors being powerless to charge them with crimes, I knew we had to do something to protect students," said Rep. Christensen. "Parents need to know when they send their children to school those kids are safe and closing this loophole will help to do just that. No matter the age, it is unacceptable and wrong for high school teachers to be engaged in sexual relationships with students."
A KARE 11 investigation revealed multiple cases across Minnesota, including in the Burnsville area which is represented by Rep. Christensen, where county prosecutors were not able to prosecute teachers who had entered into sexual relations with students at their school because the student was 18.
"As an educator myself, it was incredibly disturbing to see reports of these incidents," said Rep. Christensen, who is also a substitute teacher in Minneapolis. "I believe teachers need to be held to a higher standard and I am determined to make sure there are consequences for those who abuse the power and trust our parents and schools have given them. We must look out for the safety of our students."
This bill would become effective August 1, 2018, and apply to offenses committed on or after that date.
House File 3203 has seven co-authors in the House and has been referred to the Education Innovation Policy Committee.
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