BISMARCK, ND — As incidents of graphic images involving minors continue to surface online, law enforcement in North Dakota is sounding the alarm about the growing use of digital devices, such as smartphones and computers, to create and distribute such content. In response, state lawmakers are pushing for stronger legislation to penalize individuals involved in the creation or possession of images and videos depicting children in sexually explicit acts.
House Bill 1386, introduced in the state legislature, seeks to make it a felony for anyone found in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or for those who knowingly use a child’s face to generate computer-generated images of a sexual nature. The bill proposes that such offenses be classified as a Class C felony, with penalties increasing to a Class B felony if the person possesses more than 20 images or if the content involves a child under the age of 12.
“The crime is horrific,” said Claire Ness, North Dakota’s chief deputy attorney general. “Our investigators testify in court, and they cannot show CSAM to the jury. Instead, they must describe the material, and it’s not something anyone wants to share. But it’s essential for people to understand the gravity of the situation when crafting penalties for these crimes.”
The rise in digital exploitation of children has prompted lawmakers to take action, as law enforcement agencies report an increasing number of disturbing cases involving online child exploitation. With more children using smartphones and computers, the opportunities for offenders to exploit minors have multiplied. The new bill aims to provide stronger legal tools to combat this growing threat and to deter those involved in producing, sharing, or possessing such harmful material.
Experts emphasize that the proposed legislation is crucial in adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of child exploitation. “These crimes are evolving with technology, and our laws need to evolve as well,” Ness said. “We need to make it clear that North Dakota will not tolerate the exploitation of children, whether it’s through physical abuse or digital manipulation.”
The bill has sparked discussions about the need for both harsher penalties and increased education on online safety. Advocates for children’s rights argue that stronger laws are necessary to protect vulnerable minors in an increasingly digital world, where predators can hide behind the anonymity of the internet.
As the legislative process continues, officials are hopeful that these proposed changes will lead to a safer online environment for children, sending a strong message that child exploitation will not be tolerated in North Dakota.
