Governor Signs Teacher Sex Bill

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

New information Tuesday on the bill to protect students from sexual advances at school. It's finally on the books.

Story Published: May 5, 2009 at 5:19 PM PST

TRI CITIES -- New information tonight on the bill to protect students from sexual advances at school. It's finally on the books. Governor Christine Gregoire just signed off, making it a crime for public school workers to have sex with students up to age 21.

Before, it was not a crime if the student was 18.

Representative Larry Haler and Senator Jerome Delvin both sponsored bills after two local cases, one involving a Richland High school teacher.

Richland School District lobbied in favor of the bill and sent Action News this email statement:

"We're pleased that Governor Gregoire has signed the bill. All students, regardless of their age, deserve the kind of protection clearly spelled out in this bill," Richland School District Spokesperson Steve Aagaard said.