A bill for an act establishing the offense of assault by criminal groping, and providing penalties.
The bill introduces a tiered penalty system for offenders. A first violation is classified as a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in confinement and fines ranging from $430 to $2,560. A second violation elevates the offense to an aggravated misdemeanor, carrying a potential penalty of up to two years in confinement and fines from $855 to $8,540. Further violations classify the action as a class D felony, which could result in confinement for up to five years and fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. Offenders may also be required to register as sex offenders, with different tiers based on the age of the victim and the determination of sexual motivation in the offense.
House Study Bill 12 establishes a new criminal offense known as 'assault by criminal groping.' This offense is defined as intentional physical contact with an intimate body part of another person, without the intent to commit sexual abuse. The bill specifies that intimate body parts include the clothed or unclothed inner thigh, groin, buttock, or breast. The creation of this offense aims to address acts of sexual misconduct that fall short of sexual abuse, providing a legal avenue for prosecution of such incidents.
The introduction of this bill is expected to provoke discussions regarding its implications for privacy, personal interaction, and the potential for overreach in criminalizing certain behaviors. Supporters argue that it provides necessary protections for individuals from sexual misconduct while opponents may raise concerns about the vagueness in defining 'intentional physical contact' and the possible criminalization of innocent actions. Furthermore, the requirement for sex offender registration could have long-lasting impacts on individuals' lives and reputations.