The bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding indecent behavior with juveniles, specifically addressing the elements of such offenses. It modifies the definition of indecent behavior to include not only lewd acts but also the act of "grooming" a child under the age of seventeen. Grooming is defined as the pursuit of an intimate relationship with a minor through various manipulative means, with the intent to commit a sexual offense. The bill specifies that the offender must be at least four years older than the child, and it clarifies that lack of knowledge of the child's age is not a valid defense.

Additionally, the bill updates the language surrounding communication methods, replacing "Internet" with "internet" and expanding the definition of communication to include various forms, both electronic and otherwise. The amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the protection of minors from sexual offenses by clearly defining grooming and its implications under the law.

Statutes affected:
SB58 Original: 15:541(24)
SB58 Engrossed: 15:541(24)
SB58 Reengrossed: 15:541(25)
SB58 Enrolled: 14:81(A)(1)
SB58 Act : 14:81(A)(1)
Senate Floor Bureau Note, #1594, Connick, Adopted: 15:541(25)