CS/CS/CS/HB 251 - "Walk in Their Shoes Act"

• Expands evidence of prior sexual offenses admissible in criminal cases involving child molestation or sexual offenses to include broader categories of related crimes, allowing prosecutors to introduce evidence of other similar offenses without limitation to just propensity.

• Allows registered service or therapy animals in court proceedings involving sexual offenses to assist child witnesses during testimony, with courts considering the child's age, interests, and the animal's registration status.

• Prohibits defendants from copying or reproducing child pornography materials in criminal proceedings when the state attorney makes materials reasonably available for inspection and examination at a designated facility.

• Requires law enforcement to provide or arrange transportation for sexual battery victims to medical/forensic examination facilities and allow victims to review police reports and provide statements on accuracy before submission.

• Adds $151 court surcharge (with $150 going to Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund) for convictions of sexual offenses and related violent crimes, and extends statute of limitations for video voyeurism prosecution to one year after victim discovers recording or it is confiscated.

• Adds hepatitis testing requirements alongside existing HIV testing for defendants charged with sexual offenses against minors or vulnerable adults, with results disclosed to victims within 2 weeks.

• Requires public schools to include Internet safety concepts in comprehensive health education curriculum.

• Makes intentionally viewing child sexual abuse material a criminal offense and prohibits possession, control, or intentional viewing of such materials.