Bill Description: House Bill 537 would add an age component to the statute making sexual conduct with a minor a felony. 

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Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for nonviolent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

Idaho law generally recognizes a distinction between uncoerced sexual conduct among young people and exploitative conduct involving an adult. House Bill 537 amends Section 18-1508, Idaho Code, which makes "lewd conduct" with a minor a felony carrying a penalty of up to life in prison. 

The language added by this bill would clarify that the felony charges for this crime apply when the offender is "(4) years or more older than" the minor involved.

This change is consistent with other sections of code and is intended to prevent young people close in age from facing severe criminal charges for engaging in uncoerced sexual conduct. 

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