This bill amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 21-5510 to include new provisions regarding the sexual exploitation of a child, specifically addressing offenses that involve communication through electronic means and social media. The bill introduces a new element that criminalizes knowingly engaging in a pattern of conduct or communication, including through electronic devices, to gain access to or persuade a child under 18 years of age to engage in sexually explicit conduct. This addition aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding child exploitation in the digital age.

Additionally, the bill specifies the penalties associated with various forms of sexual exploitation of a child, categorizing them into severity levels of felonies. For instance, offenses defined under subsections related to possession of visual depictions or coercive communication are classified as severity level 5 felonies, while more severe offenses, such as employing a child in sexually explicit conduct, are classified as severity level 3 felonies. The bill also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 21-5510, thereby updating the law to reflect these new definitions and penalties.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5510