State lawmakers considering bill to close voluntary intoxication loophole

State lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at closing a loophole in sexual assault cases.

Under current law, victims are treated differently if they willingly used alcohol or drugs before an assault than if they were impaired involuntarily, for example had something slipped into their drink.

Senator Alessandra Biaggi sponsors the bill. She says by closing this loophole, the state will make it very clear that someone’s decision to drink alcohol or consume drugs is not an invitation for sexual assault.