AL HB257

Indecent exposure becomes a Class C felony (upgraded from Class A misdemeanor) when the victim is under 12 years of age or upon a third conviction

Expands crimes of directing a child to engage in sexual intercourse, sodomy, or sexual contact to include victims ages 12-15 when the child is at least two years younger than the perpetrator (previously only covered children under 12)

Transmitting obscene material to a child can now be prosecuted when sent via cellular devices or any electronic means, and applies when the defendant believed the recipient was a child—undercover law enforcement involvement is not a valid defense

Creates the new crime of "inpatient custodial sexual misconduct" (Class C felony) prohibiting employees of drug rehabilitation or mental health facilities from engaging in sexual conduct with patients, with consent explicitly not a defense

Removes the affirmative defense for first-degree kidnapping that previously applied when the victim was voluntarily released unharmed prior to apprehension, and adds voyeurism to the statutory definition of "sex offense"