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HB 9

Grooming of children-offenses and amendments.

2026 Regular Session

Wyoming bill HB 9 establishes criminal offenses and penalties for child grooming, strengthening protections against predatory behavior that facilitates sexual abuse of minors.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 9

Legislative bill overview

HB 9 addresses criminal offenses related to the grooming of children and proposes amendments to existing Wyoming law. The bill aims to define, clarify, and establish penalties for grooming behavior—actions adults take to build trust with minors for purposes of sexual exploitation or abuse. This represents an effort to strengthen child protection statutes in Wyoming's criminal code.

Why is this important

Child grooming is a precursor tactic to child sexual abuse, and having clear statutory definitions helps law enforcement prosecute these crimes more effectively. Strengthening grooming laws can provide earlier legal intervention before physical abuse occurs, potentially preventing serious harm to vulnerable minors.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition precision: Defining "grooming" in statute is complex—distinguishing between legitimate mentorship and criminal conduct requires careful language to avoid overly broad application
  • Digital vs. in-person conduct: The bill must address whether online grooming behaviors are treated identically to in-person conduct, which raises questions about enforcement and jurisdiction
  • Parental vs. predatory intent: Clarifying how the law treats parents or guardians versus strangers, and establishing clear intent requirements, will be crucial to avoid unintended consequences

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

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