Bill > H2154

This bill aims to enhance protections for children by creating a new offense related to child enticement. Specifically, it prohibits any person from knowingly enticing a child under the age of 16, or someone they believe to be under 16, to enter a vehicle without the permission of the child's parent or guardian. This prohibition applies unless the person is a law enforcement officer, emergency responder, firefighter, or someone operating a state- or subdivision-run vehicle for educational or transportation purposes for children, or a paid employee, volunteer, or agent of a nonprofit, religious organization, or board of education acting within their official capacity. The bill also establishes an affirmative defense if the enticement was in response to a genuine emergency or a reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect the child's health, safety, or welfare. Violators of this new provision could face imprisonment in state prison for up to 5 years, in a house of correction for up to 2 1/2 years, or both, along with a fine of up to $5,000.