2014 -- H 7292

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LC003957

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM

     Introduced By: Representatives Johnston, O'Brien, Hull, Carnevale, and Messier

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

services.

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

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

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

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

amended by adding thereto the following section:

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

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

     (b) Prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse.

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

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

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

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

agency, public or private.

     (2) The department of elementary and secondary education shall continue to provide

guidance and materials on age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention.

The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to assist in the development of curricula that

shall be age-appropriate and developed according to the needs and abilities of pupils at successive

grade levels in order to provide awareness skills, information, self-confidence, and support to aid

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

     (c) Action by school committees. The school committees of the several cities, towns, and

school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the curricula described herein into existing

health education courses.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CURRICULUM

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

prevent child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and abuse.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003957

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