Bill > SB2566

This bill, titled the "Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act," creates a new criminal offense for grooming a minor, which is defined as engaging in a pattern of conduct directed at a minor with the specific intent to commit or facilitate a sexual offense against them, or to cause them to engage in sexual activity. This "course of grooming conduct" can include actions like isolating the minor, encouraging secrecy, building dependency through gifts or favors, violating physical boundaries, or introducing inappropriate sexual content. The bill specifies different age and relationship requirements for when this offense applies, including stricter penalties if the minor is under thirteen or if the perpetrator is in a "position of authority" or "position of special trust," meaning they hold a role of care, supervision, or guidance over the minor, such as a teacher, coach, babysitter, or mentor. Importantly, this law is intended to address preparatory actions and does not prevent prosecution under other laws, nor does it apply to lawful educational, healthcare, or parental activities, or to law enforcement investigations, and it clarifies that a close personal relationship alone is not evidence of grooming.