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House tightens penalties for online enticement of minors, passes bill with mandatory-minimum elements
Summary
House Bill 5 was amended and passed to increase penalties for persons who use the internet to entice minors; sponsors said the bill equates enticement to the underlying first‑degree offense and, for repeat offenders, restricts probation and requires a minimum three‑year sentence in some cases.
Representative Ray presented an amended House Bill 5 to increase penalties for online enticement of minors. Under the amendment described on the floor, attempts to entice a minor would be charged the same as the underlying first‑degree offense (even if the underlying act did not occur), and if a defendant had certain prior convictions the court could not shorten or suspend a prescribed prison sentence; sponsors said the change is intended to address persistent online predators.
Representative Wimmer and other members with law‑enforcement backgrounds spoke in support, recounting sting operations and repeat offenders. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at the 'worst of the worst' predators and would close gaps between attempt/enticement and the underlying crime for sentencing purposes. The House passed HB5 (72 yes, 0 no) and referred it to the Senate.
