Bill > SB0174

This bill updates various sections of the Indiana Code to replace the term "child pornography" with "child sex abuse material" across multiple statutes. The changes affect laws related to criminal records, sex offender registration, handling of evidence in criminal proceedings, child exploitation offenses, and sentencing guidelines. By replacing the term, the bill aims to more accurately reflect the serious nature of crimes involving sexually exploitative images of children, emphasizing that such material represents the actual abuse of a child rather than simply pornographic content. The modifications will take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to multiple sections of Indiana law that previously used the term "child pornography," including references in criminal codes, sex offender registration requirements, and legal procedures involving such materials. The bill does not change the underlying legal definitions or penalties associated with these offenses, but seeks to use language that better characterizes the harmful and traumatic nature of creating, possessing, or distributing sexually explicit images of minors.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/174/details