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Written Testimony Submitted for the Record to the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings For the Hearing on Criminal Law - Person in a Position of Authority - Sexual Offenses with a Minor (SB460) February 12, 2014 1 PM SUPPORT Maryland PTA represents nearly 200,000 volunteer members in over 930 public schools, with the mission of advocating on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions impacting children. Maryland PTA is comprised of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children in Maryland. As the states oldest and largest child advocacy organization, PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families, schools and communities and a strong advocate for public education. In our Legislative Agenda we support public policy, legislation and regulations which address ensuring a safe learning environment for all children and youth. Maryland PTA submits this testimony in support of Senate Bill 460-Criminal Law-Person in a Position of Authority-Sexual Offenses with a Minor. Parents entrust schools, recreation centers, sports venues, and various other venues daily to provide safe and nurturing environments for all children, and most do so. Senate Bill 460 would strengthen laws and provide harsher punishments to persons wishing to harm minors. It would serve to help maintain a safe environment for children by repealing and reenacting the Maryland Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This law prohibits all persons in authority of a minor from engaging in sexual contact with a minor, who is participating in an activity, where they are a Person in a Position of Authority. Maryland PTA supports programs that foster a safe and supportive environment for children, especially on school grounds. An initiative, such as Senate Bill 460, would keep children safe, while supporting the mission of PTA, which is to maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment. One of the Purposes of PTA is to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. For that reason Maryland PTA urges the Committee to support the passage of Senate Bill 460. Testimony submitted on behalf of Ray Leone President Maryland Parent Teacher Association president@mdpta.org February 11, 2014