LISTEN: State Rep. Peggy Bennett’s conversation with The Flag’s Steve Hallstrom
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A courageous student helped Republican State Rep. Peggy Bennett of Albert Lea with her anti-grooming bill including giving her the strength to share her story.
The candidate for Minnesota governor got an email from a reporter last fall about a girl named Hannah who was groomed and sexually assaulted by her band director.
Bennett, who was a teacher for 33 years, saw the striking similarities between Hannah’s story and her own. Bennett was sexually groomed by her band director when she was in 10th grade and was nearly raped.
“It’s pervasive. It’s like an epidemic. There are bad actors that are taking advantage and choosing to use our schools as personal opportunity zones to prey on our children,” Bennett said on “The Steve Hallstrom Show”.
The bill, which passed the House 133 to 0, creates a new felony for grooming and creates penalties. Educators who become aware of any alleged abuse must report it. The bill would add seven positions to the Department of Education to investigate grooming allegations.
The companion bill in the Senate is being carried by DFL State Senator Erin Maye Quade of Apple Valley.
