This bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework for addressing crimes against children by introducing the new offense of "grooming of a child for a sexual offense." Grooming is defined as actions aimed at manipulating a child into sexual conduct or exploiting authority to create a secretive relationship with a minor. The bill imposes severe penalties for grooming, particularly for victims under 16, with potential life imprisonment or a minimum of four years in prison, alongside mandatory treatment programs. Additionally, it revises existing laws to include law enforcement officers posing as children in definitions of offenses like indecent exposure and sexual abuse, while expanding the definition of sexual abuse to include computer-generated child pornography.
Moreover, the bill amends laws related to child sex trafficking and obscenity, introducing stricter penalties and broader definitions. It includes provisions for recruiting or enticing individuals believed to be children, with penalties for child sex trafficking set at a mandatory 100-year prison sentence, a $400,000 fine, and lifetime supervision upon release. The bill clarifies that consent from a child for commercial sexual activity is not a valid defense and imposes absolute liability on offenders. It also broadens the definition of obscenity to encompass actions towards individuals believed to be under 18, including undercover law enforcement officers, while maintaining penalties of fines and potential jail time. The bill includes provisions for codification, severability, and an effective date of July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: LC Text: 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502
HB0082_1(1): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(2): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(3): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(4): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(5): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(6): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1(7): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_1: 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(1): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(2): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(3): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(4): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(5): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(6): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(7): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(8): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2(9): 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509
HB0082_2: 45-5-504, 45-5-601, 45-5-625, 45-5-711, 45-8-201, 46-23-502, 46-23-509