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House adds higher‑education instructors to 'special trust' list for abuse statutes
Summary
The House approved HB 287 to include professors, instructors and teaching assistants at higher‑education institutions among persons in relationships of special trust for aggravated child‑abuse statutes. Supporters cited national reports and local incidents; some members asked whether institutional policies already address the problem. The bill passed 67–6.
Representative Ivory introduced House Bill 287 on the House floor, saying the measure closes a gap by adding higher‑education instructors to the list of persons who may be treated as in a "relationship of special trust" for purposes of aggravated child‑abuse statutes. "If a child is criminally abused, their future is stolen," Ivory said, arguing the law should explicitly protect minors in higher‑education settings.
Members questioned whether existing institutional policies were sufficient and whether the statutory change was necessary. Representative Kwan, a college professor, noted campuses have strong policies but asked how many institutions actually require a new statute. Ivory and supporters cited national and recent local incidents and argued statutes should reflect the potential undue influence professors can exercise.
The House approved the substitute bill on a roll‑call vote of 67–6. Sponsors said the law aligns criminal law to protect minors and younger students now participating in higher‑education programs; critics urged careful drafting to avoid overreach and to coordinate with campus policies.
