The bill amends Section 709.8A of the Iowa Code to clarify the definition of grooming as a criminal offense. It specifies that a person commits grooming when they knowingly engage in acts to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child or someone believed to be a child, which now explicitly includes law enforcement officers or agents posing as children. This broadens the scope of the offense to encompass attempts made through various means, including in-person interactions, electronic communications, or written correspondence.

Additionally, the bill maintains that grooming is classified as a class D felony, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense. The changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding the protection of minors from sexual exploitation and ensure that law enforcement can effectively address and prosecute grooming behaviors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 709.8A