ATLANTA – Legislation that would close a loophole in Georgia law pertaining to sexual misconduct by a foster parent was introduced in the state House of Representatives this week.
House Bill 911, sponsored by Rep. Ed Setzler, R-Acworth, would add “improper sexual contact” by a foster parent with a foster child to a section of the state code that deals with sexual misconduct by an employer with an employee.
Foster parents convicted of the most serious form of the offense could face prison sentences of up to 25 years and fines of up to $100,000.
The bill is part of a legislative package Gov. Brian Kemp is pushing this year aimed at making it easier for Georgians to become foster parents. The package also would triple the state tax credit for foster parents from $2,000 to $6,000 and lower the age requirement for unmarried Georgians to become foster parents from 25 to 21.
Foster care is a priority issue both for the governor and First Lady Marty Kemp.
“This legislation closes a dangerous loophole and prohibits foster parents from engaging in improper sexual behavior with children in their care,” she said in a prepared statement. “Moving forward, we will continue to devote our efforts to protecting the most vulnerable in our state from sexual misconduct.”
Setzler’s bill is being cosponsored by Rep. Jodi Lott, R-Evans, one of Kemp’s floor leaders in the House.