HB0358S01 | Criminal Sexual Conduct Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill concerns criminal sexual conduct.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill creates the criminal offense of: •custodial solicitation of sexually explicit conduct from a person in custody; •unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality; and •unlawful sexual activity with a minor using virtual reality;

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 25, 2025
Sponsor
Representative
Democrat - District 31
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

This bill protects children from digital sexual abuse. It makes it a serious crime for adults to use virtual reality to engage in sexual activity with children under 14, and with minors aged 14–17 when there is a significant age gap, with no defense for claimed consent.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote and support the adoption and enforcement of laws, at all levels of government, to end the recruitment, force or involvement of a minor in conduct or violence of a sexually nature and all forms of sexual exploitation; and be it further Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for the protection of rights of victims and support provided measures for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims of sexual exploitation;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National PTA Position Statement - Child Safety and Protection

Prevent exploitation of children and unhealthy work environments. Protect children from violence.