This bill aims to enhance public safety by addressing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the prohibition of child-like sex dolls. It introduces new provisions for the venue of prosecution in CSAM cases, allowing such offenses to be prosecuted in the county where the offense occurred, where the accused or victim resides, or where the material is produced or possessed. Additionally, law enforcement is authorized to conduct on-scene forensic previews of electronic devices during search warrant executions for CSAM, ensuring these previews are limited to identifying relevant evidence while respecting constitutional protections. The bill also prohibits the possession, sale, creation, and dissemination of child-like sex dolls, defining them as anatomically correct dolls resembling minors intended for sexual acts, with significant penalties for violations, particularly for repeat offenders or those involving minors under 14.

Moreover, the bill establishes that individuals profiting from disseminating child-like sex dolls involving minors are guilty of a felony, with penalties including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines up to $7,000, which increase for repeat offenders or cases involving minors under 14. It clarifies that consent from a minor or their guardians is not a valid defense against these charges and mandates conditional release terms for offenders. The bill also amends the duress defense in criminal liability cases, allowing trafficking victims to assert this defense for non-violent crimes, provided they can demonstrate a direct link between their criminal conduct and their status as trafficking victims. Successful claims will result in the sealing of related records, ensuring that the defendant's past does not impede their future. This comprehensive approach seeks to protect children from exploitation while providing legal avenues for trafficking victims.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 617.246, 243.166, 609.2325, 253B.185, 526.10, 609.08