MS SB2309

Creates new crime of "grooming of a child" (Section 97-5-32) making it illegal for persons over 21 to engage in a pattern of conduct or communication to gain access to, prepare, persuade, or coerce a child under 16 to engage in sexually explicit conduct, human trafficking, or sexual servitude.

Establishes graduated penalties for child grooming: 2-10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine for basic violation; 5-10 years and up to $20,000 fine if offender is in position of trust or authority over the child; and 10-20 years and up to $30,000 fine for subsequent offenses or registered sex offenders.

Removes "identifiable child" requirement from child exploitation statute (Section 97-5-31), broadening the definition of "morphed image" to cover depictions that appear to show any minor engaged in sexual conduct, not just recognizable individuals.

Fines collected under the new grooming statute are deposited into the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.