Vitelli’s bill to protect children from visual sexual aggression becomes law

AUGUSTA —A bill sponsored by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, to protect children from visual sexual aggression became law on Wednesday without the Governor’s signature. LD 1728, “An Act To Increase the Penalty for Visual Sexual Aggression against a Child” will increase the penalty on individuals who expose their genitals children under fourteen years of age.

This bill responds to a incident that happened last year in Bath, where a man exposed himself to two young teenage girls near the library.

“Incidents like this are emotionally scarring and unacceptable. What these young girls in Bath went through should never be experienced by anyone — regardless of age,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I am glad that my colleagues in the Legislature supported this bill, which will help deter repeat offenders from engaging in this type of behavior.”

Previously, visual sexual aggression against a child under the age of twelve was a Class C crime. However, if the child was older than twelve, the same action was considered a lesser crime. The new law seeks to eliminate the arbitrary distinction between the age groups and give the judge more flexibility in the sentencing of repeat offenders.

This measure — as with all public laws in Maine passed without an “emergency clause” — will take effect 90 days following the end of the legislative session. The Legislature is expected to adjourn on April 18.

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