Grooming of children-offenses and amendments.

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; andPurposely 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; orExploit 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.