The bill SB 371 proposes significant changes to the legal framework surrounding sex offenses, particularly focusing on the surgical castration of offenders convicted of certain aggravated sex crimes against minors. Specifically, it allows for surgical castration of individuals over the age of 17 who commit such offenses against victims under the age of 13, contingent upon a court-appointed medical expert's evaluation. The bill also stipulates that the procedure 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.

Furthermore, the bill amends the existing law regarding the crime of unlawful presence of a sex offender by raising the maximum age of the victim from 13 to 15 years for certain aggravated offenses. It also includes the crime of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 15 as an underlying offense for unlawful presence. 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 a clearer framework for addressing such crimes against minors. 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)