Bill > HB0358

This bill introduces three new criminal offenses related to sexual misconduct, specifically addressing emerging technologies and power dynamics. First, the bill criminalizes "custodial solicitation of sexually explicit conduct," which occurs when someone in a position of authority knowingly requests sexually explicit content or performances from a person in their custody, such as a prisoner or detainee, regardless of the victim's consent. This offense is classified as a class A misdemeanor. Second, the bill creates a new crime of "unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality," which applies to adults who knowingly engage in sexually explicit avatar-based interactions with children under 14 years old, with penalties ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony depending on the age difference between the offender and the child. Third, the bill establishes a similar offense for "unlawful sexual activity with a minor using virtual reality," which applies to adults who are more than 10 years older than a minor (aged 14-17) and engage in sexually explicit virtual reality interactions, classified as a class A misdemeanor. In both virtual reality offenses, the victim's consent is not a valid legal defense. The bill defines key terms like "avatar," "sexually explicit conduct," and "virtual reality" to provide clarity, and is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0358.html