(04/21) Legislature closes loophole that allowed teachers to have sex with students over 18 years-old
8th District legislators work together to successfully protect all students at school

The House of Representatives today voted 82-16 to close a loophole in current law that allows teachers to have sex with students over 18 years-old.

Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, prime sponsored House Bill 1385, while Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, sponsored similar legislation in the Senate.

The bill includes language to protect students up to 21 years of age from sexual predators employed by the school district.  The new language would apply to both first and second degree sexual misconduct with a minor.

"The parents of the Tri-Cities never let me forget for one minute that this was a fight for the safety of their kids.  All day, every day they entrust their children to teachers and school employees who have pledged to keep their children safe.  Today's legislation makes it crystal clear that all students in Washington state secondary schools are protected from teacher sexual misconduct to age 21, the age limit for secondary school children.  I particularly wanted to protect the students with developmental disabilities and this legislation will do it."