Missouri bills targeting online extortion and child grooming head to governor’s desk
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) - A series of bills aimed at protecting children from online extortion and sexual grooming are headed to the governor’s desk after passing the Missouri legislature Wednesday.
Evan’s Voice Act
Evan’s Voice Act honors Aurora teen Evan Boettler, who died by suicide after being extorted online. The legislation creates the offense of sexually extorting a minor and upgrades the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images involving a minor or vulnerable person from a class D felony to a class C felony.
Evie and Sophie’s Law
Evie and Sophie’s Law is named after two Bolivar teens who were victims of sexual grooming by their taekwondo teacher. The legislation replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” and broadens its definition. Evie and Sophie were present as the law passed. Legislators said they hope the measure can serve as a model for other states.
New training requirements and statewide council
The bills mandate new sex and human trafficking training for first responders, social workers, and law enforcement. They also establish a new statewide council and fund to combat trafficking.
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