Senate passes House Bill 24-1 HS1 to update abuse and sexual-offense laws; prosecutors and advocates urge support

The Senate on July 11 passed House Bill 24-1 HS1, a measure that updates statutory provisions addressing sexual assault, abuse of minors, voyeurism, grooming and digital exploitation. The bill passed the Senate on a roll-call vote with eight members recorded in favor after the floor accepted a technical amendment to the bill title.

The measure drew extensive public comment and support from prosecutors, Division of Youth Services staff and anti-violence advocates during the Senate's public-comment period. Chester Hines, identified in the hearing as chief prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney General, described gaps in the current law that "prevent[ ] us from charging" conduct involving non-household adult relationships with minors under the existing statute and urged prompt passage. Hines and other prosecutors and advocates said the existing statute focused on authority-figure or household relationships and did not reflect modern contexts in which young people meet online.

Vivian T. Sablan, administrator for the Division of Youth Services, gave fiscal-year data on child-abuse and sexual-abuse reports across the Commonwealth and told senators that the bill includes additions such as grooming, voyeurism and digital exploitation, provisions she said were necessary to protect children in contemporary settings. Frannie Demopon, an assistant attorney general in the criminal division, said the proposed revisions would aid prosecutions that previously could not proceed because of narrow definitions or outdated age thresholds.

Advocates from the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence also urged passage. Kiki Uto Benjamin, identified as associate director and a survivor who testified on behalf of the coalition, and Macy B. Tenorio, executive director of the same coalition, said the bill reflects years of stakeholder collaboration and urged senators to adopt the measure.

The committee report adopted by the Senate recommended passage in current form. A senator noted a technical amendment to reference "Title 6, Division 1, Chapter 3" in the bill title; the amendment was accepted before final passage.

Action: the Senate clerk announced the final tally as eight members voting yes; the bill passed the Senate that day and will be transmitted per regular legislative procedures.

Ending: Senate leaders and advocates said they expect continued collaboration as the bill proceeds through the legislative process and encouraged coordination between law enforcement, DYS and community service providers for implementation.