Establishes the offense of sexual exploitation by a clergyperson

HB 1224 creates a new class C felony offense for clergypersons who engage in sexual activity with a person seeking religious, spiritual, or relationship counseling, or while exploiting a position of trust. It specifically applies when the sexual activity occurs during or shortly after counseling sessions, during ongoing counseling, or when the clergyperson uses their authority to initiate the activity. Consent is not a defense unless the victim is under 17 years old. The bill defines "clergyperson" broadly to include ministers, priests, rabbis, and similar religious leaders, making this a criminal offense for certain clergy misconduct.