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 - 1 - 24 LC 48 1019 (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not less than one nor more than five years."20 SECTION 2.21 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.22 H. B. 993 - 2 -