- Committee -

SCS/SBs 1115 & 849 - This act created the crime of luring a child. A person is considered to have lured a child if:

(1) The solicitor is 21 years old or older;

(2) Has Intent; and

(3) Solicits a child that is under 17 or the solicitor believes the child in under 17.

There is no affirmative defense if the person solicited was a peace officer masquerading as a minor. This crime is a Class D felony. The crime becomes a Class C felony if the solicitor believes the child is less than 14 years old.

This act also creates the crime of "enticement of a child" when a person uses words, action, electronic mail, or the Internet in attempting to persuade any person less than sixteen years of age to leave home or school or persuade a child to enter an enclosed area to conceal the child from public view for the purposes of engaging in lewd, illicit or criminal conduct with the child. The penalty for enticement of a child is a Class A misdemeanor. If the person has either pled guilty or been found guilty of violating the provisions of this act, Section 568.045, 568.050 or 568.060, RSMo or provisions of Chapter 566, RSMo, the violation becomes a Class D felony.

SARAH MORROW