Connecticut House Bill HB07341

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/19
• Refer: 3/8/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Rape By Impersonation.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend existing laws to formalize the crime of rape by impersonation, providing greater clarity in legal proceedings and enhancing victim protections. The amendment to Section 53a-71 would categorize such acts under the framework for sexual assault, ensuring that the law considers the complexities of consent when deception is involved. This addition aims to provide justice for victims who might otherwise feel powerless due to the nuanced nature of their assault, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing sexual violence.

Summary

House Bill 07341, known as 'An Act Concerning Rape By Impersonation', addresses a significant gap in current legal statutes regarding sexual assault. The bill specifically criminalizes the act of inducing a victim to engage in sexual intercourse under the false belief that the perpetrator is another person familiar to the victim. This change aims to protect individuals from manipulation that exploits emotional or psychological vulnerabilities, expanding the definition of sexual assault to include deceptive impersonation through false pretense.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 07341 include concerns about the implications of expanding definitions of sexual assault. Critics argue that such changes could potentially lead to challenges in proving cases of impersonation in court, given the requirement to establish a victim's state of belief and the perpetrator's intentions. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the necessity of such legislation, with some suggesting that existing laws sufficiently cover the intended protections while others advocate for clearer language to ensure victims receive appropriate legal recourse.