2015 -- H 5034

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LC000262

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - REPORTING OF CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Tanzi, and

     Date Introduced: January 08, 2015

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended

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by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 76.2

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SEXUAL ASSAULT REPORTING BY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

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     16-76.2-1. "Sexual assault" defined. -- As used in this chapter, "sexual assault" means

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first degree sexual assault as defined in § 11-37-2; second degree sexual assault as defined in §

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11-37-4; and/or third degree sexual assault as defined in § 11-37-6.

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     16-76.2-2. Mandatory report of sexual assault to law enforcement by institutions of

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higher education. -- (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any statute, rule or regulation to the

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contrary, in the event that an institution of higher education receives a report of an alleged sexual

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assault made by a student enrolled in the institution or made by an employee of the institution

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against another such student or employee, the institution shall immediately notify the appropriate

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law enforcement authorities of the allegation.

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     (b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude, or in any way restrict, an

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institution of higher education from responding to and investigating an allegation of sexual

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assault made pursuant to this section for the purpose of imposing disciplinary action on the

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alleged perpetrator of the assault.

 

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     SECTION 2. 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 - REPORTING OF CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT

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     This act would require institutions of higher education to report allegations of sexual

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assault to law enforcement.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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