House Bill 1159 seeks to enhance penalties and reclassify offenses related to child pornography and sexual offenses against minors in Florida. Key amendments include the reclassification of possessing 10 or more files of child pornography or at least one file containing a prepubescent child to a higher degree felony, with mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years for second-degree felonies and 15 years for first-degree felonies. The bill also revises the definition of "child" and establishes mandatory minimum sentences for various sexual offenses involving children under 12 years of age. Additionally, it increases penalties for knowingly soliciting or possessing child pornography, reclassifying such offenses to a second-degree felony, and imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the creation of generated child pornography.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the promotion and distribution of obscene materials, particularly concerning child-like sex dolls and child pornography. It establishes penalties for promoting or participating in an obscene show, with initial violations classified as a first-degree misdemeanor and subsequent violations escalating to a third-degree felony. The bill prohibits the sale, distribution, or possession of obscene, child-like sex dolls, with penalties ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor for initial offenses to a second-degree felony for repeat offenders. It also clarifies definitions related to electronic transmission of pornography and protects individuals who report suspected child pornography to law enforcement from prosecution. Overall, HB 1159 aims to strengthen legal measures against sexual offenses involving minors and improve protections against exploitation.

Statutes affected:
H 1159 Filed: 794.0116, 827.072, 828.126, 847.0137