FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) that expands efforts to prevent human trafficking and child grooming was ceremonially signed by the governor today.
Senate Enrolled Act 119 adds more specific facilities, locations and events to the list of restricted places where convicted child predators cannot enter, attend or work. It also provides 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 extremely pleased with the unanimous support this piece of legislation received throughout the legislative process," Dernulc said. "Thank you to all who supported and worked on this important law. We must protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers, and this is a good first step to better protect children throughout the state."
Photo caption: State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland, left of the governor) attends a ceremonial bill signing of Senate Enrolled Act 119, which he authored to expand efforts to prevent human trafficking and child grooming.
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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
