This amendment expands the definition of electronic communication in the grooming statute, adds a position-of-authority enhancement with tiered penalties based on victim age, and updates cross-references.
- Expands the definition of 'electronic communication' to include transmission via social media platforms, gaming platforms, and other digital communication services, in addition to wire, radio, electromagnetic, and photo-optical systems. (Page 2, line 5)
- Updates the cross-reference in the statute to include the new subsection (g) in the list of penalty provisions that apply to grooming offenses. (Page 5, line 18)
- Adds a new subsection (g) establishing enhanced penalties for persons in a position of authority who commit grooming of a minor. Penalties vary by victim age: up to 10 years imprisonment for victims 16 and older; up to 20 years for victims between 12 and 16; and up to 30 years for victims younger than 12. Maximum fines range from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on victim age. (Page 6, after line 23)
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