The bill SB 371 proposes significant changes to the legal framework surrounding sex offenses, particularly those involving minors. It allows for surgical castration of offenders over the age of 17 who are convicted of certain aggravated sex offenses against victims under the age of 13, with specific exceptions. The procedure is contingent upon a court-appointed medical expert's determination of the offender's suitability for surgery and must be performed no later than one week prior to the offender's release from incarceration. Additionally, if an offender fails to comply with the court order for the procedure, they may face imprisonment for three to five years without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

The bill also amends the existing law regarding the crime of unlawful presence of a sex offender. It raises the maximum age of the victim from 13 to 15 years for the underlying aggravated offenses that constitute this crime. Furthermore, it includes the crime of pornography involving juveniles as an additional underlying offense when the victim is under the age of 15. Notably, the bill specifies that the provisions do not apply to offenders under the age of 17. These changes aim to enhance the legal consequences for sex offenders and provide clearer guidelines for the treatment of such cases. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB371 Enrolled: 14:2(B)
SB371 Act 651: 14:2(B)
Conference Committee Report, #4280, House Proposed, Senate Proposed: 14:2(B)
Conference Committee Report, #4280, House Adopted, Senate Adopted: 14:2(B)