Creates and modifies provisions regarding sexual offenses
What changed between versions
Creates a new 'grooming of a minor' offense (section 566.152, Sophie's Law) making it a class B felony for an adult to engage in a pattern of conduct directed at a minor with intent to prepare them for sexual conduct. Escalates to class A felony if sexual conduct actually occurs. Minimum five years imprisonment before eligibility for probation or parole.
Removes the 'at least eighteen years of age' requirement from sections 573.110 and 573.112, expanding nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images laws to protect minors as well as adults. Previously these statutes only applied to victims 18 or older.
Elevates the penalty for nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images from a class D felony to a class C felony when the victim is a minor or vulnerable person. Changes the base offense from class E to class D felony.
For threatening nonconsensual dissemination (section 573.112), elevates first offense from class E to class D felony, and makes it a class A felony if the image was of a minor or vulnerable person, or if the threat is the proximate cause of serious physical injury or death.
Adds 'grooming of a minor,' 'nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images,' and 'threatening the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images' to the list of offenses requiring sex offender registration under section 589.400.
Classifies grooming of a minor as a Tier I sex offender registration offense (15-year registration, annual in-person reporting). Classifies nonconsensual dissemination offenses involving minors or sexual coercion as Tier II (25-year registration, semiannual reporting).
Adds section 573.114 requiring courts to order restitution to victims of nonconsensual dissemination offenses, covering mental and physical rehabilitation, lost income, educational disruption, relocation costs, and costs for removal of the image from online platforms.
Updates cross-references in section 589.414 from sections 566.123 and 566.124 to section 566.125 for definitions of predatory sexual offender and persistent sexual offender.