Relating to prosecution for the criminal offenses of sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor and sexual performance by a child; increasing criminal penalties.

HB 4579 removes the defense that harmful material (like explicit content) was distributed for educational or scientific purposes when prosecuting individuals who sell, distribute, or display such material to minors. It increases penalties to felony levels, with the most severe charges (first-degree felony) applying to offenses involving victims under 14 years old, while offenses involving older minors carry lesser penalties (second-degree felony). The law directly affects anyone distributing harmful material to minors, including online content providers and sellers. These changes take effect September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed after that date.