California Bills Would Increase Campus Sex Assault Penalties
SACRAMENTO (AP) — California college students who are disciplined for sexual assault face tougher penalties under legislation approved by the state Assembly.
The Assembly on Wednesday approved a pair of bills to set consistent standards for dealing with campus sexual assault.
AB967 would set a minimum of two years suspension for students found responsible for rape and forcible sex acts. It would also require schools to report the outcomes of their sexual assault investigations. It passed 62-4.
Another bill, AB968, would require suspensions to be reflected on academic transcripts, though not the reasons for punishment. It passed unanimously.
Democratic Assemblyman Das Williams of Carpinteria says more victims will feel comfortable coming forward if colleges show they'll hold offenders accountable.
The bills head to the Senate.
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