The bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding indecent behavior with juveniles by redefining certain elements of the offense and introducing new terminology. Specifically, it retains the definition of indecent behavior as any lewd or lascivious act upon or in the presence of a child under seventeen, with an age difference of more than two years, while removing the previous clause that allowed for an alternative definition. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that criminalizes the grooming of a child under seventeen by an offender who is at least four years older, clarifying that the completion of such grooming acts is not necessary for prosecution and that lack of knowledge of the child's age is not a defense.

Furthermore, the bill provides a detailed definition of "grooming," which includes pursuing an intimate relationship with a minor through various manipulative means with the intent to commit a sex offense. It also clarifies the types of communication that fall under this definition, expanding it to include various forms of electronic and written communication while updating the terminology from "Internet" to "internet." These changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the protection of minors from sexual offenses.

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)