labama Governor Robert Bentley signs HB238, Erin’s Law, sponsored by state Representative Terri Collins during a ceremonial bill signing in the Old House Chamber at the State Capitol in Montgomery on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Joining Governor Bentley and Rep. Collins for the signing were members of the Governor’s Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children which suggested the legislation. (Governor’s Office, Daniel Sparkman)
MONTGOMERY — Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 238. This legislation is a result of recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children. In 2015, the 13 member task force was established following the passage of Erin’s Law. HB 238 offers several amendments to current laws aimed at defending child victims of sexual abuse.
“We must protect the children in Alabama, and I am proud of the work accomplished by this Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children,” Governor Bentley said. “In less than six months this task force has provided me with a plan and actionable items that resulted in HB 238. This bill will help protect children whether at home, school or in foster care. I really appreciate all the hard work and dedication of Representative Terri Collins and the other members of the task force who are committed to protecting our children.”
HB238 amends some of the following items:
- Provides for the admissibility of certain out-of-court statements by children under the age of 12 in certain child abuse and neglect criminal proceedings.
- Specifies a school employee distributing harmful material to a student is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Provides specific criminal penalties for sexual offences by foster parents against foster children.
- Adds a specific definition for child abuse and neglect in mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting provisions.
Terri Collins (R-Decatur)
State Representative Terri Collins (R-Decatur) served as chairman of the task force for Erin’s law and sponsored HB 238.
“The Erin’s Law Task force has been one of the most important groups I have been a part of,” Rep. Collins said. “We are changing laws to protect innocent children. I am proud of the recommendations we have presented because I know they are strengthening the laws that protect students from sexual abuse from teachers and foster children from any abusive foster parents. Every step we make to protect our children is a step in the right direction.”
This bill was signed into law May 11, 2016.
A link to HB 238 can be found here.
Media Release/Office of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley
