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SALT LAKE CITY — A House committee unanimously recommended a bill Thursday to clarify the term “position of special trust” in cases of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
HB257, sponsored by Rep. Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, moves higher in the state code the original list of people who fall under the category of “position of trust.”
As it applies to victims under the age of 14, the list remained the same except for being alphabetized. It includes a parent, baby sitter, coach, employer, religious leader and teacher.
After an emotional testimony from a community member, the committee discussed and added to the list “a sibling or a step-sibling who is an adult.”
“I can speak of this due to personal experience,” Kristen Baird told the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, her voice wavering. “In my situation, it was an older sibling. … I am very grateful that this is being discussed."
The bill also has wording to cover those not specifically mentioned, saying “any person in a position of authority … which enables the person to exercise undue influence over the child.”
— Madeleine Brown
