The bill establishes a new criminal offense in Wyoming known as "grooming of a minor for a sexual offense," defined as behaviors aimed at preparing or persuading a minor to engage in sexual conduct or exploitation. The bill outlines specific definitions for terms such as "grooming," "sexual conduct," and "electronic communication." It specifies that a person aged 17 or older who engages in a pattern of grooming with the intent to manipulate, coerce, or exploit a minor can be charged with this felony. Penalties for grooming vary based on the age of the minor involved, with harsher penalties for offenses against minors under 12 years of age, including a minimum of 25 years imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include "grooming of a minor for a sexual offense" as a disqualifying factor for probation eligibility and updates the registration requirements for offenders convicted of this crime. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6-2-301, 7-13-301, 7-19-302