Committee on Children
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5335
AN ACT REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION CONCERNING
Title: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.
Vote Date: 3/10/2020
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/3/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Committee on Children
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill requires that the Department of Children and Families develop education to distribute
to coaches, youth, and parents or guardians on appropriate and inappropriate interactions, as
well as signs of grooming between coaches of youth sports. It also requires that guidelines
are established and updated as needed.
This bill requires, by December 1, 2020, the Department of Children and Families to
collaborate with adult survivors of child abuse to develop documentation that provides
direction and best ways about coaching youth sports, such as appropriately interacting with
youth.
This bill requires that no later than January 1, 2021, the Department of Children and Families
distribute these guidelines to coaches both paid and volunteer, as well as parents or
guardians receive copies.
This bill requires, by December 1, 2020, the Department of Children and Families to
collaborate with adult survivors of child abuse to develop documentation of the stages of
grooming, behaviors that victims may engage in or exhibit, and how to tell parents they are
being abused.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Fred Balsamo, CMAA, Connecticut Coaching Education Program
Supports this legislation but recommends the following revisions. The definition of youth
coach in this bill contradicts the definition of past passed legislation. It is recommended that
the definition be revised to allow for cohesion. Also, this bill is focus around athletes and
could be implying that there is a higher rate of sexual abuse among the athletic realm. It is
recommended that this be applied to all K-12 students and not just a small cohort.
John L. Cattelan, Executive Director, Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs
The mission of the Y is to create a safe environment for youth and with this comes along child
protection. The Y continuously works to improve their abuse-prevention policies and
procedures. YMCAs of CT support this bill with the following revisions. It is recommended
that the addition of youth camps and activities to the list of organizations that must share the
information laid out to provide the most amount of protection. Also, it is asked that there be
an allowance or organizations the opportunity to post the information on their registration
page to educate coaches and parents or guardians. Lastly, the following language is
recommended to be placed in the literature of the bill, No operator, or designee of such
operator, shall be subject to civil liability for failing to make available the written or electronic
statement regarding child sexual abuse.
Sarah Eagan, Child Advocate, Office of the Child Advocate
Office of the Child Advocate supports this bill. OCA reports that a nationwide survey
conducted in 2004 showed that nearly 7% of 8th to 11th graders have been recipients of
physical sexual contact from an adult in their school. OCA believes that this bill provides a
good foundation to ensure that information regarding sexual abuse prevention is made
available to public and youth sports participants and coaches.
Glenn Lungarini, Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Schools
This bill is supported with the following revisions. Connecticut Association of Schools
requests that an amendment be made in lines 4 through 9 for the identification of youth
coach. CAS reports that the bill does not include interscholastic athletic activities which is
governed by CAS or requires the coach to hold a permit issued by the Department of
Education. It is recommended that the appropriate separate definition of interscholastic
coach be added. CAS believes that without this change that this bill could conflict with
existing legislature about the definition of a youth coach and a coach permitted by the Board
of Education. Lastly, CAS believes that this bill gives the impression that child sexual abuse
is more prevalent in athletics than any other youth activities. It is recommended that the
language be reworded to address all kids K through 12.
Lucy Nolan, Director of Policy and Public Relations, CT Alliance to End Sexual
Violence
This bill is supported. This agency has much experience with prevention and awareness of
sexual abuse. This agency has offered to provide assistance and be included on any info-
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sheets given their great background and currently have two campaigns going on centered
around coaching.
Valerie Stolfi Collins, Executive Director, CT Parks & Recreation Association
The mission of CRPA is to support the recreation and park profession and aide in the future
through opportunities in CT in order to promote active lifestyles, livable communities, and
quality of life for all. This organization supports the bill with the following revisions. CRPA
recommends that lines 8 and 9 be removed from the bill since these lines would make the
requirement only to coaches for activities occurring on municipally owned and operated
fields. CRPA that there be an allowance or organizations the opportunity to post the
information on their registration page to educate coaches and parents or guardians. Lastly,
the following language is recommended to be placed in the literature of the bill, No operator,
or designee of such operator, shall be subject to civil liability for failing to make available the
written or electronic statement regarding child sexual abuse.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Peter Murszewski Date: 3/20/2020
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