If enacted, this bill would reorganize sections of the Indiana Code concerning criminal procedures and establish stricter penalties for individuals found guilty of such offenses. The legislation categorizes child seduction as a Level 6 felony or Level 5 felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, particularly the age of the child involved. This refined classification aims to ensure that there are appropriate legal repercussions for various situations involving abuse of power by adults over younger individuals, thus contributing to enhanced protection for minors across the state.
Senate Bill 11, also known as the Child Seduction Bill, proposes to amend existing Indiana criminal law by introducing specific provisions regarding the sexual abuse of minors by individuals in positions of authority. Specifically, it establishes that elected officials, public appointees, or officers of the court engage in child seduction if they misuse their professional relationship with a child to engage in sexual activities. The bill aims to protect minors from those in power by criminalizing such actions more explicitly, thereby closing existing loopholes in the law.
During discussions regarding SB 11, there were notable points of contention among legislators. Supporters of the bill have emphasized the importance of holding individuals in power accountable, expressing that it is vital to deter potential abusers by amending the law. However, some opponents have raised concerns about the implications of broadly defining professional relationships, suggesting that overreach could lead to unintended consequences for certain professional practices. Moreover, there are apprehensions regarding maintaining the balance between protection and due process for those accused under this new provision.