Bill > HB2273

This bill modifies and establishes provisions relating to the protection of children and vulnerable persons by repealing and reenacting numerous sections of Missouri law. Key changes include allowing prosecuting or circuit attorneys to request assistance from the Attorney General for prosecuting violations related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that cross jurisdictional lines, and updating the definition of "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material" in various statutes. The bill also mandates specific training on sex and human trafficking for prosecuting attorneys, emergency medical technicians, juvenile officers, licensed professional counselors, and peace officers, with varying implementation dates and expiration. It enhances penalties for certain offenses, such as patronizing prostitution and nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, and introduces new offenses like "grooming" and "sadistic online exploitation." Furthermore, the bill revises requirements for criminal background checks for child care staff, expands the scope of offenses that can disqualify individuals from professional licenses, and clarifies procedures for expunging records for certain prostitution offenses committed by minors or victims of coercion. It also establishes a "Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children" and a related committee to develop guidelines for sex and human trafficking training, and creates a fund for education and awareness regarding human trafficking. Finally, the bill addresses the forfeiture of property used in certain crimes, including those involving CSAM, and modifies provisions related to the registration and reporting requirements for sex offenders.