Establishes the offense of use of a minor to commit a crime

HB 160 would create a new criminal offense for adults (18+) who intentionally use minors (under 18) to commit a crime or help avoid detection/apprehension for a crime. The law defines "use" as employing, hiring, persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing a minor, and sets escalating penalties: class E felony (first offense), class D felony (second), and class C felony (third or subsequent). This bill directly affects adults who exploit minors in criminal activities, establishing specific penalties for this conduct. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.