The bill amends the existing law regarding the offense of sexually grooming a child by explicitly including the act of bribing or attempting to bribe a child as part of this offense. It introduces new definitions, such as "bribe," which refers to offering or withholding property, gifts, or services to gain acceptance or compliance from a child. The bill also revises the language surrounding the dissemination of sexually explicit materials to clarify that a person commits the offense if they disseminate such materials or bribe a child to engage in sexual activities.
Additionally, the bill maintains the classification of the offense as a Class D felony for individuals aged twenty-one or older and a Class A misdemeanor for those younger than twenty-one. It also includes provisions for affirmative defenses based on the age difference between the actor and the victim, while clarifying that ignorance of the child's age is not a valid defense. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections for children against sexual exploitation and grooming.