Creating a New Crime for Grooming Minors
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Bill Summary - 26LSO-0079 Bill No.: HB0009 Effective: Immediately LSO No.: 26LSO-0079 Enrolled Act No.: HEA No. 0012 Chapter No.: 41 Prime Sponsor: Joint Judiciary Interim Committee Catch Title: Grooming of children-offenses and amendments. Has Report: No Subject: Creating the offense of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense. Summary/Major Elements: This act creates the criminal offense of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense. A person commits the offense of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense if the person: Is age eighteen (18) or older and not less than four (4) years older than the minor; and Purposely or knowingly engages in a pattern of grooming aimed at a minor with the intent to: Manipulate the minor into engaging in sexual conduct; Coerce or entice the minor to meet in person to engage in sexual conduct; Distribute or facilitate access to sexually explicit material; or Exploit a position of authority to develop an intimate or secretive relationship with a minor. The act specifies different felony penalties for grooming of a minor for a sexual offense, depending on the age of the minor victim or if the actor occupies a position of authority in relation to the victim. In addition to felony penalties, a person who is guilty of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense must complete a sexual-offender treatment program and is subject to probation for up to ten (10) years. Grooming of a minor for a sexual offense is not subject to a deferral of prosecution, and a person convicted of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense must register as a sex offender. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 5, 1:19 AM
R · H61
Why they voted this way
The speaker supports concurring with Senate amendments because they do not harm the bill and help clarify it into a well-enforced law for protecting children.
R · H44
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because individuals who are trusted, such as pastors and teachers, should face stricter judgment for harming children due to their higher calling.
D · H13
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker proposes an amendment to prevent the bill from criminalizing authorized sex education classes taught by schools or religious organizations, while ensuring predators cannot use such classes as a cover for crimes.
R · H38
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports making the bill effective immediately because faster implementation provides quicker protection for vulnerable children, despite law enforcement requests for more training time.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
6 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
12 stored
Adopted 2nd reading by Representative Wylie
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Wylie
Failed Committee of the Whole by Representative Chestek
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Failed Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Brown, L
Adopted Standing Committee by House Judiciary Committee
Adopted 2nd reading by Senator Olsen
Adopted Standing Committee by Senate Judiciary Committee