FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5570

C 26 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Expanding the crime of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

Sponsors: Senators Brown, Brandland, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen; by request of Attorney General.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: Over half of American homes are connected to the internet. While the internet is a very useful tool, it is also sometimes used by sex offenders to anonymously target and manipulate children. Sex offenders may mask their true identity, expose minors to sexually graphic images and communication, and "groom" their potential victims for an in-person meeting. To locate offenders illegally attempting to communicate with a child for immoral purposes, many law enforcement agencies employ adult detectives who pose as children online.

Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes is committed when a person communicates with a minor for the prohibited purpose. Prosecution for the offense may be problematic under the current statute, however, because the predator must be talking with an actual child to be in violation.

Summary: Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes may be committed by communicating with someone the offender believes to be a minor.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       49  0

House       95  0

Effective: July 27, 2003