IndianaJudges could weigh dating platform use in sex offense sentences
If passed, Indiana judges could consider whether someone convicted of a sex offense used an online dating platform to meet the victim.
What it does
If enacted, starting July 1, 2026, judges could weigh a person’s use of an online dating platform to meet the victim when sentencing that person for a sex offense.
Argument forVictims might see how the offender met them weighed at sentencing, which could support a tougher sentence for a covered sex offense.
Argument againstPeople convicted of covered sex offenses could face longer sentences even if using the dating platform did not increase the victim’s harm.
More detail
A judge may weigh a person’s use of an online dating platform to meet the victim when choosing a sentence. The person must have committed a sex offense and used the platform to meet the victim. Judges may weigh this fact, but they do not have to impose a longer sentence. The proposed amendment would take effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jan 5Authored by Senator BohacekLatest
- Jan 5First reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal LawIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety