Police report suspected child exploitation; felony rules cover people exploiting minors

Police must report a minor suspected of exploitation to the state child-services department. This applies when a police officer believes a minor has been exploited through acts that would count as prostitution if the minor were 18 or older. The officer must have probable cause, meaning a reasonable basis to suspect the exploitation. The officer must make the report immediately after forming probable cause.

A person who seeks illegal sexual conduct from an exploited minor commits a class E felony. The rule applies to a person seeking illegal sexual conduct from a minor who is exploited. The minor’s apparent consent and the person’s belief that the minor was an adult are not defenses. If the conduct occurs on or within 1,000 feet of a school, home, or place of worship, the offense remains a class E felony and carries a required $1,000 fine that cannot be suspended.

A person who knowingly advances or profits from a minor’s exploitation may be guilty of promoting prostitution. “Exploitation” means acts by a minor that would constitute prostitution if that minor were 18 or older. Promoting prostitution in the second degree is a class E felony; the first degree is a class C felony. The first-degree provision applies when the exploited minor is under 16.

An illicit massage establishment includes a place that facilitates prostitution or exploitation under the cover of a massage business or massage services. The definition covers a massage establishment or another place offering massage and bodywork. This definition takes effect only if House Bill 409 passed both chambers by July 2, 2026, and was enacted into law. The definition takes effect only if House Bill 409 was enacted after passing both chambers by July 2, 2026.