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Bill regarding child sex abuse education passed by Utah Senate

Posted at 9:18 PM, Mar 12, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-12 23:18:59-04

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would offer sex abuse prevention training for Utah students was passed by the full Senate Wednesday afternoon.

Now the legislation just needs the governor’s signature to become law.

Senator John Valentine, R-District 14, brought up concerns with parents opting out of the program. He thought that was in conflict with a law already on the books that ensures there’s no conflict with the privacy rights for students. But the bill’s sponsor said the curriculum won’t cover sensitive topics and would not violate the law.

The bill is aimed at teaching school children about the dangers of child sex abuse and how to report incidents. The bill has drawn support from victims of child sex abuse,like the current Miss Utah, Ciera Pekarcik.

Elizabeth Smart has also spoken in favor of the bill, while members of the Utah Eagle Forum raised concerns.