This week, the House amended and unanimously approved SB 1183 that creates the offense of institutional sexual assault in a school or child center setting. The bill was then returned to the Senate for a concurrence vote, where it passed 48-2. SB 1183 will now go to Gov. Corbett for his signature.  

The provisions of SB 1183 would apply whether or not the student is 16 years old, the age of consent in Pennsylvania. The amendment to SB 1183 incorporates language creating the offense of institutional sexual abuse, which would make it unlawful for a teacher, coach or other employee of a public or private school or a volunteer or employee of a center for children to engage in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse or indecent contact with a student, or a child receiving services at the center. The penalty would be a third-degree felony that would be punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

Source: PSBA Legislative Report, Dec. 15, 2011.