FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 20, 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 Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law unanimously today.
Senate Bill 119 would add facilities and events aimed at children's entertainment to the list of restricted places where convicted child predators cannot enter or attend. It would also provide that if a person repeatedly contacts a child about inappropriate sexual behavior or with 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.
"We need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers from those looking to take advantage of their innocence," Dernulc said. "The idea for this legislation was brought to me by many organizations including Raindrops Rising, a group focused on advocating and raising awareness for survivors of sexual violence, and Fair Haven, a rape crisis center whose mission is to provide services to those affected by sexual violence and trauma. Organizations like these bring attention to these awful situations and help find solutions that can better protect the targets and victims of these crimes. I look forward to moving this important piece of legislation to the full Senate."
SB 119 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
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State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1, which includes a portion of Lake County.
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Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Cameron Fuesler, Multimedia Intern
Cameron.Fuesler@iga.in.gov
