WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 119

Grooming.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Bartlett and 10 co-sponsors

Indiana SB 119 unanimously advances legislation to criminalize or enhance penalties for child grooming, strengthening tools to prosecute predatory behavior targeting minors.

Public Law 111
#adultentertainmentandsexuallyorientedbusinesses #childrenandminors;crimesagainstchildren #childrenandminors;generally #criminallawandprocedure;generally #criminallawandprocedure;sexoffenses
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 119

Legislative bill overview

SB 119 addresses "grooming" in Indiana, though the bill text itself is not provided in your query. Based on legislative naming conventions, this bill likely defines, criminalizes, or enhances penalties related to grooming—the practice of adults building trust with minors for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (48-0) after the House returned it with amendments.

Why this is important

Grooming is a predatory tactic that precedes child sexual abuse, making legislative clarity and enforcement tools critical for child protection. Defining grooming behavior in statute allows law enforcement to prosecute before physical abuse occurs and helps schools and parents recognize warning signs.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Overly broad definitions of "grooming" could inadvertently criminalize legitimate mentoring relationships or online communication between adults and minors in educational or community contexts
  • Digital communication standards: Laws targeting online grooming must balance child safety with free speech concerns and the practical difficulty of distinguishing predatory behavior from innocent conversation
  • Penalty proportionality: Enhanced or new criminal penalties require careful calibration to reflect offense severity while avoiding unintended consequences like over-incarceration

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.