Collins on teacher-student sex law, Richardson resignation

GAINESVILLE - A plan to close a loophole in Georgia's student-teacher sex law is picking up support, according to its sponsor.

State Representative Doug Collins of Gainesville announced plans to introduce the bill during the summer.

Collins said Friday he's had numerous colleagues ask to become co-sponsors and that the legislation has been well-received by many lawyers in the state.

The change in the law would take away "consent" as a defense in cases involving sexual relations between students and teachers in Georgia's elementary and secondary schools even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16.

RICHARDSON RESIGNATION

Collins says Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson made the move "that he should have made" in announcing his resignation Thursday.

Richardson had been under pressure to step down since renewed allegations earlier this week of an affair with a lobbyist. Richardson still has not publicly confirmed or denied the allegations but said Thursday he will resign the Speaker's post and his state House seat January 1.

That will be ten days before the legislature convenes for its 2010 session.
Collins says the timing of Richardson's resignation so close to the start of the next legislative session presents a new challenge to state lawmakers already faced with crucial issues such a revenue shortfalls. But like many of his colleges, he says the House is up to the task.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/12/225267