The bill amends Section 30-9-12 of the New Mexico Statutes regarding criminal sexual contact by eliminating the requirement that non-consensual touching must involve unclothed intimate parts. The revised definition allows for the unlawful and intentional touching of intimate parts without the necessity of them being unclothed. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the touching can occur when the victim has reached eighteen years of age, and it specifies that a person can also be guilty of criminal sexual contact if they intentionally cause another person to touch their intimate parts.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new legal language that classifies criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree as a fourth degree felony, while also stating that such contact is considered a misdemeanor when force or coercion is used. The definition of "intimate parts" is also expanded to include specific areas such as the primary genital area, groin, buttocks, anus, or breast. These changes aim to broaden the scope of what constitutes criminal sexual contact and enhance legal accountability for such offenses.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-9-12