Grooming of a child; establish as a criminal offense.
What changed between versions
Increased minimum prison sentence for child grooming from zero to two years, and raised maximum from five to ten years for general offenses; increased to five-ten years for those in positions of trust over children.
Changed the age definition of 'child' for grooming offenses from under 18 to under 16 years of age, narrowing the protected age group for this specific crime.
Added grooming of a child to the list of registrable sex offenses under Mississippi's sex offender registration system, requiring offenders to register with state authorities.
Modified definitions of 'identifiable child' and 'sexually explicit conduct' in related sections to remove references to 'morphed' images and clarify what constitutes child exploitation.
Added provisions clarifying that investigations involving undercover officers posing as children do not constitute a defense to prosecution.
Established July 1, 2025 as the effective date for the new provisions.
Changed subsequent offense penalties for child grooming from ten-twenty years to maintain the same range but clarified that sex offenders with registration duties face mandatory ten-twenty year sentences on initial offenses.
