Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain trafficking and sexual offenses; creating a criminal offense.

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

HB 1808 would create a new crime called sexual coercion. A person would commit an offense if they intentionally threaten, including by coercion or extortion, to commit certain sexual offenses, and if in return for not committing the threatened offense they receive intimate visual material, or an act involving sexual conduct causing arousal or gratification. It would also be considered sexual coercion if a person threatens homicide, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, smuggling of persons, or the trafficking of children if a person does not comply with demands for certain sexual acts.

This bill specifies that this would apply to a threat communicated by any means. This crime would be punishable as a state jail felony. If it is shown at trial that a person has previously been convicted of this crime it would be punished as a third-degree felony.

This bill would also slightly modify some of the rules relating to certain sexual offenses, including trafficking, sex abuse with a minor, indecency, sexual assault, promotion of prostitution and compelling prostitution. If this bill passes, the code would clarify that these crimes are offenses regardless of whether the actor knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense.