Senate unanimously approves Vitelli bill to protect children from visual sexual aggression

AUGUSTA —The Maine Senate unanimously approved a bill by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, of Arrowsic, to protect children from visual sexual aggression on Thursday in a first reading vote.

LD 1728, “An Act To Increase the Penalty for Visual Sexual Aggression against a Child,” as amended, would increase penalties imposed on repeat offenders convicted of visual sexual aggression against children.

“Visual sexual aggression against anyone, let alone children, is completely unacceptable,” said Sen. Vitelli. “This Legislation takes appropriate measures to limit this type of behavior in our communities and create a better environment for our children.”

As amended, LD 1728 would eliminate the arbitrary distinction regarding whether a child is 12 or 13 and allow for more flexibility in the sentencing of repeat offenders. This version of the bill is the result of collaboration between Sen. Vitelli, the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, and the Maine’s Criminal Law Advisory Commission.

“The safety of the children in our communities is paramount. I am grateful that a concerned mother brought this issue to my attention and that the Senate was able to come together in a bipartisan manner to take action,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I am hopeful this will deter repeated instances of this behavior going forward.”

Sen. Vitelli’s bill faces additional action in the House and Senate.

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