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MS HB1294

Bill

Official Source

Status

Failed

3/3/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jansen Owen

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Raises the victim age threshold from 16 to 18 years old for enhanced child grooming penalties when the offender holds a position of trust or authority over the child
  • Enhanced penalties for persons in positions of trust include 5-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $20,000, compared to 2-10 years and $10,000 for standard grooming offenses
  • Positions of trust include teachers, counselors, physicians, ministers, legal guardians, parents, stepparents, aunts, uncles, scout leaders, and coaches
  • Removes the requirement that the offender be at least 18 years old to face enhanced penalties for position-of-trust violations
  • Takes effect July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Grooming; revise age of child when person is in a position of trust.

Last Action

Died In Committee

3/3/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary, Division B2/17/2026
Judiciary B1/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available