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Committee advances tougher felony for some sexual conduct with 15‑ to 17‑year‑olds; floor amendment expected
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Summary
House Bill 2114 would raise penalties from class 6 to class 4 felony when an offender over age 20 engages in sexual conduct with a 15‑ to 17‑year‑old. The Judiciary Committee recommended the bill 6–2 with 1 present; sponsors plan a floor amendment setting a 60‑month age gap floor.
House Bill 2114 would increase penalties for adults who engage in sexual conduct with teenagers in the 15–17 age range in specified circumstances. The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the bill with a due‑pass recommendation and accepted a sponsor‑led plan for a forthcoming floor amendment.
The bill’s principal change raises the offense from a class 6 to a class 4 felony when the offender is over age 20 and the minor is between ages 15 and 17. The sponsor told the committee the bill is intended to close what he described as a “slap on the wrist” for older adults who exploit younger teenagers.
Sponsor and supporters Representative Wynne described the bill as a response to cases in which older adults took advantage of youth and said the bill will send a stronger deterrent message. Several county prosecutors and prosecutors’ organizations testified in favor, describing cases in which older defendants targeted teenagers and urging stiffer penalties.
Opposition and concerns Defense‑oriented witnesses and others flagged concerns about mandatory jail time and potential effects on plea negotiations and probation incentives. Pamela Hicks, a criminal‑defense attorney, said mandatory upfront jail time removes a tool prosecutors and courts use to negotiate probation and provide incentives for compliance under supervised probation.
Floor amendment and vote Committee members discussed a floor amendment that would instead impose the enhanced penalty when there is a 60‑month or greater age gap; several members said they supported the bill contingent on that floor change. The committee voted to give HB 2114 a due‑pass recommendation with 6 ayes, 2 nays and 1 present.
Ending: The bill proceeds to the House floor with active discussion about an amendment limiting application to larger age gaps; supporters say stronger penalties are needed, while defense attorneys urged caution about mandatory sentencing effects.
