State lawmakers voted Monday to close a loophole that allowed the Los Angeles school district last year to avoid penalties in a lawsuit involving a 14-year-old student who said she was sexually assaulted by a teacher.
Legislation that now goes to the governor would bar adults sued by minors over sexual assault allegations and who are in positions of authority from using the defense the child consented to the sexual contact.
It also would prohibit those sued in such civil cases from raising a minor's sexual history as a defense.
“We are one step closer to protecting our children against abuse and inconsistencies in the legal system,” said Sen.