Criminal Law - Sexual Offense by a Person in a Position of Authority

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The law defines “person in a position of authority” as teachers, coaches, counselors and similar adults who work or volunteer with children in schools or youth programs. It bans any sexual contact or vaginal intercourse with a student or program participant who is at least six years younger, imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders, and adds the offense as a predicate for sexual solicitation of a minor. The changes also revise sex‑offender tier definitions and take effect on October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Judiciary — Bill Hearing
  Judiciary · Feb 10, 2026

History

1. May 12, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 426
2. Apr 11, 2026Third Reading Passed
3. Apr 11, 2026Passed Enrolled
4. Apr 11, 2026House Concurs Senate Amendments
5. Apr 9, 2026Third Reading Passed
6. Apr 9, 2026Second Reading Passed with Amendments
7. Apr 9, 2026Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
8. Apr 9, 2026Favorable with Amendments {
9. Mar 20, 2026Referred Judicial Proceedings
10. Mar 19, 2026Third Reading Passed
11. Mar 19, 2026Favorable Report by Judiciary
12. Mar 19, 2026Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

The 12 most recent of 14 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Bartlett · sponsor
• Behler
• Embry
• Fair
• McComas
• Pasteur
• Phillips
• Pruski
• Schmidt
• Simmons
• Woods

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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