Governor signs 'Caleb's Law' to crack down on online sexual extortion
A bipartisan measure is named after a 14-year-old Kansas boy who died by suicide after being targeted by sextortion scammers.
TOPEKA, Kan. — A new Kansas law will enhance criminal penalties for online sexual extortion, expanding the state's legal framework to keep pace with evolving digital threats against children.
Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2537, known as Caleb's Law, on Monday. The legislation honors Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado who died by suicide after falling victim to an online sextortion scheme.
"Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant," Kelly said.
The law expands the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images and increases penalties for adult offenders targeting victims under 18 or dependent adults. It also mandates that the attorney general collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies to distribute educational materials aimed at preventing exploitation.
The bill passed with widespread bipartisan support in both chambers. Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Finney County, who introduced the bill, praised the unanimous backing it received. Rep. Dan Osman, D-Johnson County, credited Moore's family for championing the legislation to protect other young Kansans from similar tragedies.
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