FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) that would expand efforts to prevent human trafficking and child grooming passed the Senate unanimously today and will now go to the governor's desk.
Senate Enrolled Act 119 would add more specific facilities, locations and events to the list of restricted places where convicted child predators cannot enter, attend or work. It would also provide that if a person repeatedly contacts a child about inappropriate sexual behavior, or with the intent to make the child less resistant to inappropriate sexual behavior in the future, that person has committed sexual grooming and will be charged accordingly.
"I am content with the changes made to this bill in the House," Dernulc said. "This is a good first step toward addressing an issue that needs attention with our ever-changing world. The work will continue, especially to address the age issue that needs to be more clearly defined in Indiana law. Thank you to all who worked on and supported this new law."
SEA 119 previously passed the House of Representatives, finalizing a track record of unanimous support through the entire legislative process and will now move to the governor's desk for further consideration.
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State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Contact: Cameron Fuesler, Multimedia Intern
Cameron.Fuesler@iga.in.gov
