The bill amends South Dakota's law regarding sexual contact with minors under the age of eighteen, specifically addressing the criteria that constitute a Class 6 felony. It stipulates that a person is guilty of this felony if they are at least eighteen years old, at least five years older than the victim, and either in a position of authority or a family member related to the victim. The bill clarifies that sexual contact includes knowingly engaging in sexual acts or touching specific areas of the victim's body with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, provided the victim is under eighteen and not the perpetrator's spouse.

Additionally, the bill specifies the definition of a "position of authority," which includes various roles such as coaches, healthcare providers, and teachers, among others, who interact with the victim within a defined timeframe. It also allows for charges to be brought at any time before the victim turns twenty-five or within seven years of the crime's commission, whichever period is longer, thereby extending the timeframe for prosecution in such cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2025: 22-22-7.8
Enrolled, 03/10/2025: 22-22-7.8