It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 11-26 of the General Laws entitled "KIDNAPPING" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
{ADD 11-26-1.5. Enticement of children. -- ADD} {ADD (1) A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if that person attempts to persuade, or persuades, whether by words or actions or both, with intent to engage in lewd, illicit or criminal conduct, with a minor child under the age of sixteen (16) years to either: ADD}
{ADD (a) leave the child's home or school; or ADD}
{ADD (b) enter a vehicle or building; or ADD}
{ADD (c) Enter a structure or enclosed area, or alley, with the intent that the child shall be concealed from public view; while the person is acting without the authority of (i) the custodial parent of the child, (ii) the state of Rhode Island or a political subdivision thereof or (iii) one having legal custody of the minor child. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent the lawful detention of a minor child or the rendering of aid or assistance to a minor child. ADD}
{ADD (2) Every person convicted of a violation of the provisions of this section shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment. A person convicted of a second or subsequent time of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment for a period of not more than five (5) years. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
