(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indiana lawmaker has introduced legislation that would change how the state enforces age of consent laws.
State Senator Mike Bohacek is sponsoring a bill that would make it a criminal offense for anyone 25 years old or older to engage in sexual conduct with a minor, including individuals who are 16 or 17. Indiana's current age of consent is 16.
Bohacek told WSBT-TV the proposal aims to address predatory relationships and provide parents with additional tools to intervene when significant age gaps are involved.
The legislation would also apply to sexual conduct committed online and would allow judges to impose tougher sentences if prosecutors show a repeated pattern of behavior. The bill treats that pattern as a sentencing aggravator rather than creating separate charges for each incident.
Bohacek said the age thresholds were selected to avoid unintended consequences while still protecting minors.
The proposal follows renewed national attention on sexual exploitation cases and is part of a broader effort to update criminal laws to reflect changes in technology and communication.
The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Indiana Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. No hearing date has been scheduled.