The proposed bill seeks to enhance legal protections for children by introducing new provisions related to offenses involving the luring or enticing of minors. It establishes a new section, 787.001, which specifies that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim's age cannot be used as a defense in cases where the victim's age is a critical factor. Additionally, the bill amends section 787.025 to redefine the age of a child in these offenses from under 12 to under 14 years old, classifying the luring or enticing of a child under this age for unlawful purposes as a third-degree felony, with increased penalties for repeat offenders.

Moreover, the bill revises the offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 to reflect these changes, ensuring that the offense of luring or enticing a child under 14 is appropriately ranked as a third-degree felony. The legislation also includes provisions for enhanced penalties for individuals with prior convictions related to similar offenses, thereby strengthening the legal framework aimed at protecting children from exploitation and harmful interactions. Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards increasing accountability for those who exploit vulnerable populations, particularly minors.

Statutes affected:
H 777 Filed: 787.025
H 777 c1: 787.025, 921.0022
H 777 e1: 787.025