2013 -- S 0496

=======

LC01582

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

____________

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM

     Introduced By: Senators Doyle, Cool Rumsey, Pearson, Lombardi, and Gallo

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2013

     Referred To: Senate Education

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1-1

     SECTION 1. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds and declares that child

1-2

sexual abuse, estimated to affect up to one in four (4) girls and up to one in six (6) boys, poses a

1-3

grave threat to the health and safety of young people and its damaging effects can last a lifetime.

1-4

     The legislature also finds and declares that child sexual exploitation, including the use of

1-5

children in pornography and prostitution, and child abduction poses a similar threat to the health

1-6

and safety of young people, and puts child victims at grave risk of death or severe bodily harm.

1-7

     The legislature also finds and declares that the incidence of child sexual abuse, child

1-8

sexual exploitation and child abduction can be reduced by raising awareness among young

1-9

children of common dangers and warning signs, empowering children to better protect

1-10

themselves from sexual predators and teaching children how to obtain any necessary assistance or

1-11

services.

1-12

     Therefore, it is hereby declared to be the public policy and in the public interest of this

1-13

state to establish a comprehensive program to provide an age-appropriate course of instruction in

1-14

the prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse.

1-15

     SECTION 2. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum" is hereby

1-16

amended by adding thereto the following section:

1-17

     16-22-26. Age appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness education. -- (a)

1-18

Short title. This section shall be known and may be cited as "Erin Merryn's Law."

1-19

     (b) Courses of study in prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and child

1-20

sexual abuse.

2-1

     (1) All pupils in grades kindergarten through eight (8) in all public schools in the state

2-2

shall receive instruction designed to prevent the abduction, exploitation or sexual abuse of

2-3

children. Such instruction shall be provided by or under the direct supervision of regular

2-4

classroom teachers; provided, however, that such instruction may be provided by any other

2-5

agency, public or private.

2-6

     (2) The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe an

2-7

age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education program. The

2-8

commissioner shall provide technical assistance to assist in the development of curricula for such

2-9

courses of study which shall be age appropriate and developed according to the needs and

2-10

abilities of pupils at successive grade levels in order to provide awareness skills, information,

2-11

self-confidence and support to aid in the prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation,

2-12

and child sexual abuse.

2-13

     (c) Incorporation of courses by school committees. The school committees of the several

2-14

cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the course in training in

2-15

existing health education courses.

2-16

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC01582

=======

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM

***

3-1

     This act would provide for courses of study for pupils in grades kindergarten through 8 to

3-2

prevent child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and abuse.

3-3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

=======

LC01582

=======