This bill introduces significant changes to the legal framework surrounding the age of victims in certain criminal offenses. It establishes a new section, 787.001, which clarifies 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 element, with an exception noted for section 787.30. Additionally, the bill amends section 787.025 to raise the age threshold for luring or enticing a child from under 12 to under 14 years, while also increasing the penalties for such offenses by reclassifying them from misdemeanors to felonies based on prior convictions. The affirmative defense related to luring or enticing a child is also revised, and the offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 is updated to reflect these changes.

Moreover, the bill addresses drug trafficking and sexual offender reporting requirements. It introduces new penalties for trafficking in specific substances, including hydrocodone and fentanyl, with defined weight thresholds, and establishes proximity restrictions for selling drugs near child care facilities and schools. The bill also enhances penalties for sexual offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements, implementing a tiered penalty system for repeat violations. These amendments aim to strengthen protections for minors and increase accountability for offenders, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1136 Filed: 787.025, 921.0022
S 1136 c1: 921.0022