LA SB58

Adds "grooming" of a child under age 17 as a new form of indecent behavior with juveniles under Louisiana law (R.S. 14:81), requiring the offender to be at least four years older than the child

Defines "grooming" as pursuing an intimate relationship with a child through seduction, emotional manipulation, threats, promises, coercion, enticement, isolation, or extortion with specific intent to commit a sex offense

Completion or attempt to complete a sex act is not required to constitute the crime of grooming

Lack of knowledge of the child's age is not a valid defense for grooming charges

Effective August 1, 2025