News
Bill Would Ban Sexual Conduct Between School Staff, Students
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – An Ohio lawmaker wants to add school employees to the list of those who could face criminal charges for engaging in sexual conduct with minor students.
Currently, the law applies to teachers, administrators and other authority figures but not staff such as janitors or cafeteria workers.
State Rep. Christina Hagan’s bill would expand the sexual battery offense to include any school employee at least four years older than the student. It also would bar college employees from engaging in sexual activity with minor students who are at least four years younger.
Hagan says the bill closes a loophole in the law.
The House unanimously passed the measure this past Wednesday, sending it to the Senate.
Several House Democrats expressed misgivings about the bill, saying it could have unintended consequences.