The bill amends existing laws regarding the sexual exploitation of children and the accrual of interest on delinquent child support. It reclassifies the penalties for various offenses related to the sexual exploitation of children, increasing the severity of the charges. Specifically, the bill changes the classification of possession of obscene materials depicting children from a fourth degree felony to a third degree felony, and distribution of such materials from a third degree felony to a second degree felony. Additionally, if a child under thirteen is depicted, the basic sentence for possession is increased from one year to five years, with the first three years served without the possibility of suspension or deferral.

In terms of child support, the bill raises the interest rate on delinquent child support from four percent to six and a half percent, and specifies that interest will accrue from the date the support becomes delinquent until it is paid. It also outlines the order in which payments of support arrears will be applied and grants the health care authority the power to forgive accrued interest on delinquent child support under certain conditions, aiming to enhance the collection of owed support.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-6A-3, 40-4-7.3