Georgia 2023 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB993 Introduced / Bill

Filed 01/23/2024

                    24 LC 48 1019
House Bill 993
By: Representatives Powell of the 33
rd
, Smith of the 18
th
, Ridley of the 6
th
, McCollum of the
30
th
, Collins of the 71
st
, and others 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia
1
Annotated,  relating to offenses related to minors generally, so as to provide for the offense2
of grooming a minor for indecent purposes; to provide for a definition; to provide for a3
penalty; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 7
relating to offenses related to minors generally, is amended by adding a new Code section8
to read as follows:9
"16-12-100.5.
10
(a)  As used in this Code section, the term 'grooming' means actions or behaviors used by11
an adult to establish an emotional connection with a minor to gain such minor's trust, for12
the eventual objective of sexual abuse, manipulation, or exploitation.  Such actions and13
behaviors may include, but are not limited to, contact made online, in person, or by other14
means of communication.15
H. B. 993
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(b)  A person commits the crime of grooming a minor when such person makes contact16
with a minor to establish trust with the eventual objective of arousing the sexual desire of17
either the minor or such person.18
(c)  Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and punished by19
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years."20
SECTION 2.21
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.22
H. B. 993
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