Mississippi’s governor could soon enact legislation intended to ease the process of identifying and punishing adults accused of coercing children into engaging in sexually explicit behavior.
House Bill 1308, which passed out of conference with flying colors and was sent to the desk of Gov. Tate Reeves before the regular legislative session ended, introduces a new felony crime for grooming a child. The legislation was promoted by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
“Grooming, according to the legislation, occurs when a person over the age of 21 knowingly engages in a pattern of conduct of communication in person, through a third party, or through the use of an electronic device, computer, social media, text message, or other means to gain access to, gain the compliance of, prepare to persuade, to induce, or to coerce a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct,” bill author Rep. Jansen Owen, R-Poplarville, stated.
A child, per the bill, is defined as an individual under the age of 16. Those 21 and older convicted of “grooming” a child could face between two and 10 years in prison, along with a possible fine of up to $10,000. The charge of grooming would also apply to an adult who intentionally lures a minor away from his or her parents with nefarious motives.
There are also penalties for people in a position of trust or authority over a child — teachers, counselors, physicians, family members, etc. — who coerce the young person for sexual purposes. These offenders would be charged with felony grooming and could face between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
For subsequent offenses, the sanctions intensify. Persons in a position of trust or authority over a child convicted of a second, or additional, grooming charge would be met with between 10 and 20 years in prison, along with a fee of up to $30,000.
If signed into law by the Republican governor, the bill will go into effect on July 1.
