Adds a facility or event that provides entertainment or programming primarily directed toward a child less than 18 years of age to the list of facilities at which a sexually violent predator or an offender against children may not work or volunteer. Adds entering a facility or location holding an event that provides entertainment or programming primarily directed toward a child less than 18 years of age by a serious sex offender to the crime of unlawful entry by a serious sex offender. Renames the offense of "inappropriate communication with a child" to "sexual grooming", and provides (in addition to the current elements of the offense) that a person commits the offense if the person engages in a pattern of repeated or continuous contact with an individual whom the person believes to be a child less than 14 years of age, with the intent to condition the individual to be less resistant to future sexual conduct or sexual activity. Specifies that "computer network" includes cellular telephones.
Subjects: CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Sex Offenses, CHILDREN AND MINORS; Crimes Against Children, CHILDREN AND MINORS; Generally, CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Generally, ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AND SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
Common questions
What is SB119?
SB119 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Grooming.
What does SB119 do?
Adds a facility or event that provides entertainment or programming primarily directed toward a child less than 18 years of age to the list of facilities at which a sexually violent predator or an offender against children may not work or volunteer. Adds entering a facility or location holding an event that provides entertainment or programming primarily directed toward a child less than 18 years of age by a serious sex offender to the crime of unlawful entry by a serious sex offender. Renames the offense of "inappropriate communication with a child" to "sexual grooming", and provides (in addition to the current elements of the offense) that a person commits the offense if the person engages in a pattern of repeated or continuous contact with an individual whom the person believes to be a child less than 14 years of age, with the intent to condition the individual to be less resistant to future sexual conduct or sexual activity. Specifies that "computer network" includes cellular telephones.
What is the status of SB119?
Signed into law as of March 5, 2026. Latest action: Public Law 111 (March 5, 2026).
Who sponsored SB119?
Dernulc, Dan (R), with 7 co-sponsors.
Where is the official record for SB119?
On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/119