§ 11-25 — Grooming

(a) A person commits grooming when, being 5 years or more older than a child, or holding a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the child at the time of the offense, he or she knowingly: (1) uses a computer on-line service, Internet service, local bulletin board service, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission, performs an act in person or by conduct through a third party, or uses written communication to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, a child, a child's guardian, or another person believed by the person to be a child or a child's guardian, to commit any sex offense, to distribute photographs depicting the sex organs of the child, or to otherwise engage in any unlawful sexual conduct with a child or with another person believed by the person to be a child; or (2) engages in a pattern of conduct that seduces, solicits, lures, or entices, or attempts to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, a child to engage or participate in unlawful sexual conduct that is for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal of the victim, the accused, or another. (a-5) As used in this Section: "Child" means a person under 17 years of age. "Pattern" means 2 or more instances of conduct. "Sex offense" means any violation of Article 11 of this Code. "Sexual conduct" means masturbation, sexual conduct, or sexual penetration as defined in Section 11-0.1 of this Code. (a-6) Illinois has a compelling interest in effective education and "grooming" does not include conduct that serves a legitimate educational purpose pursuant to Section 27-9.1a of the School Code. (b) Sentence. Grooming is a Class 4 felony.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 104-245, eff. 1-1-26 .)