The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1228 pertaining to acts of child seduction committed by coaches authored by Rep. Bauer, Rep. Negele, Rep. King, and Rep. Hatfield. The bill provides that if a person who: (1) is at least 18 years of age; and (2) is the coach of a child less than 18 years of age; engages with the child in sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct (as defined in Ind. Code § 35-31.5-2-221.5), or any fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the adult, the person commits child seduction. The bill defines “coach” and “youth sports organization.” The bill is intended to close a loophole in current law by including youth sports organizations and coaches who are not affiliated with a school.
Testimony in support of the bill was heard from the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. Testimony in opposition to the bill was heard from the Indiana Public Defender Council. A technical amendment was adopted by consent. The amended bill passed 11-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/bills/house/1228.