NOTE:
This is so much better to read with the download version, which has proper formatting. I HIGHLY recommend you that you download it and read it in Word or LibreOffice or whatever office program you use.
==================================================================================
Title: The Age of Consent Amendment Act
Section 1. Short Title
This Act may be cited as the "Age of Consent Amendment Act."
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to amend existing statutory provisions to raise the age of consent from nine (9) years to eighteen (18) years, aligning with contemporary standards of legal and social responsibility while accommodating the customs of current "claimed mates" and marriage.
Section 3. Effective Date
This Act shall be effective on February 1, 2032. All provisions of this Act shall apply from this date forward, allowing for appropriate implementation and compliance.
Section 4. Amendment to the Age of Consent
1) The legal age of consent specified in Section 101 of the Sexual Offenses Act is hereby amended. The age of consent is raised from nine (9) years to eighteen (18) years.
2) The following provisions are updated as a result of this amendment:
a) Section 528 (1): The term "nine (9) years" is replaced with "eighteen (18) years."
b) Section 528 (2): All references to "nine (9) years" within this section are updated to "eighteen (18) years."
Section 5. Applicability
1) This amendment applies to all sexual conduct defined under the Sexual Offenses Act. Individuals who are eighteen (18) years of age or older are prohibited from engaging in sexual activities with individuals under the age of eighteen (18) years, unless such conduct is part of a recognized marriage or "claimed mate" relationship prior to the effective amendment date.
2) Claimed Mates: For individuals in "claimed mate" relationships, consent is required, and such relationships must be registered with the Department of Social Services to be considered valid.
3) Marriage: Sexual activities within legally recognized marriages are exempt from the provisions of this Act, provided that both parties are at least twelve (12) years old prior to the effective amendment date.
Section 6. Transitional Provisions and Compliance Requirements
1) Notification Requirement: Individuals who were previously engaged in sexual activities that were lawful under the former age of consent provisions and are currently in a "claimed mate" relationship or marriage must comply with new regulations as follows:
a) Notify the Department of Social Services within thirty (30) days of the enactment of this Act, providing details of their current "claimed mate" or marriage status.
b) Apply for a compliance license from the Office of Legal Affairs within sixty (60) days of the enactment of this Act. The license will confirm their adherence to new regulations and their status as "claimed mates" or married individuals and will be issued upon review of their compliance with the updated provisions.
2) License Display Requirements:
a) Both parties in a "claimed mate" relationship or marriage must carry their physical compliance license when in public spaces or any location other than their private domicile.
b) The compliance license must be presented upon request by law enforcement or other authorized personnel to verify the legitimacy of the relationship status under the provisions of this Act.
c) Failure to produce the compliance license upon request will result in penalties as outlined in Section 6.3(a)(b)(c).
d) Both parties may cease to carry their compliance license once they have both reached the age of eighteen (18) years.
3) Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to notify or obtain a license as required will result in the following penalties:
a) Monetary Fine: Individuals who fail to notify the Department of Social Services or to apply for a compliance license within the specified time frames will be subject to a monetary fine of $1,000 per day of non-compliance, with no maximum amount.
b) Imprisonment: Individuals who do not comply within 180 days of the enactment of this Act will be subject to imprisonment. Specifically, such individuals will face a minimum of one year of imprisonment for each month of non-compliance beyond the 180-day period.
c) Further Legal Obligations: In addition to the monetary fine and imprisonment, individuals may also be subject to additional legal obligations or penalties as determined by the Office of Legal Affairs, which may include mandatory counseling or additional oversight requirements.
Section 7. Protections for Close-in-Age Relationships
1) Close-in-Age Exemption: Individuals who are under eighteen (18) years of age and engage in sexual activities with a partner who is close in age (i.e., no more than three (3) years older or younger) will not be subject to fines or imprisonment under this Act, provided that the relationship is consensual and no coercion or exploitation is involved.
2) Affirmative Defense: It shall be an affirmative defense to any charges brought under this Act that the individuals involved were in a "claimed mate" relationship or legally recognized marriage, or that they were close in age and the conduct was consensual. Documentation of the relationship and age difference must be provided to substantiate this defense.
Section 8. Enforcement
The appropriate authorities are responsible for the enforcement of this Act and shall ensure that all relevant educational and informational materials are updated to reflect these changes.
Section 9. Repeal of Conflicting Laws
All previous laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.
Section 10. Education and Outreach
1) Public Awareness Campaign: The Department of Social Services and the Office of Legal Affairs shall conduct a public awareness campaign to inform individuals, especially those in "claimed mate" relationships and married couples, about the new requirements, including the notification and licensing process.
2) Educational Programs: Educational programs and materials will be developed and made available to schools, community organizations, and other relevant entities to ensure that the new age of consent laws and compliance requirements are widely understood.
Section 11. Review and Reporting
1) Annual Review: An annual review of the Act’s implementation and impact shall be conducted by the Office of Legal Affairs. This review will assess the effectiveness of the Act, any issues encountered, and recommendations for improvements.
2) Report to Legislature: A report summarizing the findings of the annual review shall be submitted to the legislature within thirty (30) days of completion, including any proposed amendments to the Act based on observed impacts and compliance challenges.
Section 12. Data Protection and Confidentiality
1) Privacy Protections: All personal information collected as part of the notification and licensing process will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of compliance with this Act.
2) Secure Handling: The Department of Social Services and the Office of Legal Affairs shall implement secure systems and protocols to protect individuals' privacy and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Section 13. Support Services
1) Counseling and Support: The government shall provide access to counseling and support services for individuals affected by the changes in the law, including those who may need assistance navigating the new requirements or dealing with related issues.
2) Legal Aid: Legal aid resources will be available to assist individuals with understanding their rights and obligations under the new law, as well as to provide guidance during the compliance process.
Section 14. Severability
1) Severability Clause: If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalidation of any specific provision shall not affect the validity of the Act as a whole.
Section 15. Mandated Reporters
1) Designation of Mandated Reporters a. The following individuals are designated as mandated reporters under this Act:
a) Healthcare professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, therapists, and mental health providers.
b) Educators, including teachers, school administrators, and school counselors.
c) Social workers and case managers.
d) Cubcare providers and early Cubhood educators.
e) Law enforcement officers and other relevant public safety personnel.
2) Reporting Requirements
a) Mandated reporters are required to report any suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving individuals under the age of eighteen (18) or vulnerable adults, as defined in Section 16 of this Act.
b) Reports must be made to the Department of Social Services, the appropriate Cub Protective Services (CPS) or adult protective services (APS) agency, or local law enforcement within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
c) Reports should include, to the best extent possible, the following information:
1) The name and contact information of the suspected victim.
2) The name and contact information of the suspected perpetrator.
3) A description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
4) Any other relevant information or observations.
3) Good Faith Reporting
a) Mandated reporters who make reports in good faith shall be protected from civil or criminal liability arising from their reports. This protection applies whether or not the report results in legal action or intervention.
4) Penalties for Failure to Report
a) Mandated reporters who fail to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation as required by this Act shall be subject to the following penalties:
1) A monetary fine of $20,000 for each failure to report.
2) Imprisonment for up to five years, or both, depending on the severity of the failure to report and the discretion of the court.
Section 16. Definitions
1) Abuse: Any action or inaction that results in physical harm, emotional harm, or sexual exploitation of an individual.
a) Physical Harm: Injury or damage inflicted upon an individual’s body.
b) Emotional Harm: Psychological trauma or distress caused by abusive behavior or neglect.
c) Sexual Exploitation: The illegal or improper use of an individual’s vulnerabilities for sexual purposes.
2) Neglect: The failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or support to an individual, resulting in harm or risk of harm.
a) Cub Neglect: The failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, or supervision to a cub.
b) Adult Neglect: The failure to provide necessary care and services to an adult who is unable to care for themselves.
3) Exploitation: The use of an individual’s vulnerabilities for personal gain. This includes:
a) Forced Labor: Involuntary work or servitude imposed through coercion or threats.
b) Sexual Exploitation: Recruitment and use of individuals for sexual purposes through coercion, deceit, or force.
c) Involuntary Servitude: Situations where individuals are forced to work against their will under threat of violence or coercion.
4) Trafficking: The illegal trade or transportation of individuals for purposes of exploitation. This includes:
a) Forced Labor: Involuntary work or servitude imposed through coercion or threats.
b) Sexual Exploitation: Recruitment and use of individuals for sexual purposes through coercion, deceit, or force.
c) Involuntary Servitude: Situations where individuals are forced to work against their will under threat of violence or coercion.
Section 17. Repeal of Conflicting Laws
All previous laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.
Section 18. Education and Outreach
1) Public Awareness Campaign: The Department of Social Services and the Office of Legal Affairs shall conduct a public awareness campaign to inform individuals, especially those in "claimed mate" relationships and married couples, about the new requirements, including the notification and licensing process.
2) Educational Programs: Educational programs and materials will be developed and made available to schools, community organizations, and other relevant entities to ensure that the new age of consent laws and compliance requirements are widely understood.
Section 19. Review and Reporting
1) Annual Review: An annual review of the Act’s implementation and impact shall be conducted by the Office of Legal Affairs. This review will assess the effectiveness of the Act, any issues encountered, and recommendations for improvements.
2) Report to Legislature: A report summarizing the findings of the annual review shall be submitted to the legislature within thirty (30) days of completion, including any proposed amendments to the Act based on observed impacts and compliance challenges.
Section 20. Data Protection and Confidentiality
1) Privacy Protections: All personal information collected as part of the notification and licensing process will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of compliance with this Act.
2) Secure Handling: The Department of Social Services and the Office of Legal Affairs shall implement secure systems and protocols to protect individuals' privacy and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Section 21. Severability
1) Severability Clause: If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalidation of any specific provision shall not affect the validity of the Act as a whole.
