Bill > H1341

This bill amends Section 26C of chapter 265 of the General Laws to expand the definition of "enticement" and clarify penalties. Specifically, it adds the term "groom" to the existing language, meaning that a person can now be charged with enticement for "grooming" a child under sixteen, in addition to "luring" them. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that criminalizes enticing a child under sixteen, or someone believed to be under sixteen, through electronic means such as telephones, cell phones, email, internet chat rooms, or instant messaging. This electronic enticement is defined as any communication that is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent, with the intent of sexual grooming, sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation. Penalties for this electronic enticement include imprisonment in state prison for up to five years, or in the house of correction for up to two and a half years, or a fine of up to $5,000, or a combination of imprisonment and fine.