The bill establishes a new offense titled "Sexual communication with minors," which prohibits adults from engaging in specific types of communication with individuals under the age of eighteen. It defines "obscene" communication and outlines various forms of prohibited interactions, including explicit discussions about sexual conduct, requests for sexual images, and attempts to normalize sexual contact between adults and minors. The bill stipulates that individuals over the age of eighteen who knowingly engage in a pattern of such communication can be charged with a felony, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill allows for the forfeiture of devices used in the communication and prohibits convicted individuals from using social media during their incarceration, probation, or parole.

Furthermore, the bill creates a civil cause of action that allows minor victims, or their parents or legal guardians, to seek damages independently of any criminal proceedings. It clarifies that this civil action is not contingent upon a criminal conviction and can be pursued regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed. The bill also includes provisions that exempt certain educational communications from its restrictions and specifies that it does not apply to minors who are legally married or emancipated. An amendment to the registration of offenders law includes the new offense in the list of crimes for which offenders must register and verify their addresses annually. The act is set to take effect immediately upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-19-302
Engrossed: 7-19-302