State Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes) announced yesterday he has filed two bills for the 2008 session of the General Assembly. The first is HB 1032 which…
…aims to expand the scope and range of child seduction laws in Indiana. Child seduction refers to a criminal situation in which an adult in a position of authority, such as a teacher or guidance counselor, engages in sexual misconduct with a minor aged 16-18.
“Child seduction laws were designed to protect minors who technically reached the age of consent at age 16 from entering into an abusive situation with an adult authority figure,” Battles said. “Children under 16 are already protected under the state’s child molestation laws.”
HB 1032 expands the definition of “authority figure” to include anyone that works or volunteers for a cooperative organization that is involved with a public or private school corporation. Under current law, only a person who is employed by a school can be convicted of child seduction, which is a Class D felony.
“All individuals who hold a position of authority should be held to the same legal standards,” Battles said. “This bill will even the score.”
Hmmm, not really. One would have to work or volunteer for an organization involved with a school. The Blogmeister would be in favor of broadening this to anyone in a position of authority. That would cover just about anyone who was working with a child in a professional capacity. Still, this is better than whats on the books now.
The second is HB 1033 which “eliminates time restrictions on state-sponsored student aid.”
Currently, the state offers eligible students grant money for the cost of four years of higher education. The financial aid can be used over a 10-year time frame. HB 1033 would repeal this provision, allowing students to utilize state grants past the 10-year limit.
“Many students who have the best intentions of earning their degree in a timely fashion can be thrown off course by life’s many obstacles,” said Battles. “Family obligations, financial stress and personal issues can all impede a student’s degree progress.”
He continued, “There is no reason why the state should shun a student who wants to pick up where they left off, even if there is more than a 10 year time lapse. This will be especially beneficial for low-income students who often have to leave school to support themselves and their families.”
The Blogmeister was unaware of this existing provision, but supports the Representative’s bill for exactly the same reasons. In the Blogmeister’s opinion, if someone qualifies for the aid, give it to them. It’s a good investment as the state, and society as a whole, benefit from the increased income the person will earn over their lifetime (with a degree), which translates into higher tax payments (income, property, etc.) for the state.
Subscribe via Email
Post 2 del.icio.us
