1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 290, introduced by Senator Mike Bohacek, which would strengthen legal protections for Indiana children against sexual predators by updating our state's age of consent laws. Under current Indiana law, the age of consent is 16 years old. This means adults of any age can legally engage in sexual activity with 16-year-olds without criminal consequence. Senate Bill 290 would close this dangerous loophole by criminalizing sexual activity between individuals over age 24 and 16-year-olds, and between individuals over age 25 and children who are 16 or 17 years old. Offenders would be required to register as sex offenders. This legislation is necessary because our current laws are not adequately protecting Hoosier children from exploitation. The power imbalance between a 16-year-old child and an adult in their mid-twenties or older creates an inherently exploitative dynamic. Young people at this age are still developing cognitively and emotionally, making them particularly vulnerable to manipulation by older adults who may use their experience, resources, or authority to take advantage of them. Senator Bohacek has referenced the Jeffrey Epstein case as a stark reminder of why this legislation matters. That situation demonstrated how predators can exploit legal loopholes and use power and money to victimize children. We have a responsibility to ensure that similar exploitation cannot occur in Indiana under the protection of our current laws. Senate Bill 290 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. I ask that you support this bill and work to ensure its passage. All children deserve protection from sexual predators, and this legislation represents a critical step toward closing gaps in our current legal framework. Indiana should lead in protecting its most vulnerable residents from exploitation.