Senate Finally Moves Forward With Closing Sexual Assault Loophole

Statement

Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement after the New Hampshire Senate acquiesced to public pressure and moved forward with HB 1240, relative to the grounds for sexual assault and related offenses.

"Earlier this month I called on the Senate to quit playing politics and get this bill done," said Governor Chris Sununu.

"Ensuring there is proper justice for victims of sexual assault is paramount, and this will close a critical loophole and protect students from sexual assault at the hands of those in a position of authority over the victim."

Note: On June 18th, Governor Chris Sununu was asked whether there were any bills he wished the Senate would have taken up, but willingly chose not to. The Governor cited closing the "Howie Leung loophole bill" as a priority.

Note: HB 1240 "amends the definition of sexual contact in the criminal sexual assault statutes. The bill also expands the elements of the crime of felonious sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault to include sexual contact between school employees and students, and to include circumstances when the actor is in a position of authority over a victim who is between 13 and 18 years of age."

Source