Missouri HB1224: Establishes the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson

What the bill says

To amend chapter 566, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson, with a penalty provision. Section A. Chapter 566, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 566.088, to read as follows: 566.088. 1. A person commits the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson if such person is or holds oneself out to be a clergyperson as defined in subsection 3 of this section, engages in sexual conduct as defined in section 566.010 with another person who is not the clergyperson's spouse, and the sexual con.

From the introduced text:

To amend chapter 566, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson, with a penalty provision. Section A. Chapter 566, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 566.088, to read as follows: 566.088. 1. A person commits the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson if such person is or holds oneself out to be a clergyperson as defined in subsection 3 of this section, engages in sexual conduct as defined in section 566.010 with another person who is not the clergyperson's spouse, and the sexual conduct occurred: (1) During the course of a meeting in which the victim sought or received religious, spiritual, marital, or relationship advice, counseling, therapy, aid, or comfort from the clergyperson or within one hundred twenty days after such meeting; (2) During a period of time in which the victim was meeting on an ongoing basis with the clergyperson to seek or receive religious, spiritual, marital, or relationship advice, counseling, therapy, aid, or comfort from the clergyperson; or (3) While the clergyperson was in a position of trust or authority over the victim and used that position of trust or authority to engage in the sexual conduct. 2. Consent by the victim shall be a defense under this section …

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Sponsors

• Sparks, Justin (R) · primary sponsor