BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) -- Idaho is one of only two states where groping and fondling a person is not considered a sex crime
But a bill headed to the Idaho Senate for debate aims to change that.
Nearly thirty percent of women in America have experienced unwanted sexual contact -- groping or fondling -- at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control
"At the Coalition, we also see this as a precursor to rape," said Kelly Martin, executive director of The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence.
But under current Idaho law such an offense can only be charged as simple battery.
The bill would create a new statute, Sexual Battery of an Adult, and treat it as a sex crime.
A first conviction could bring up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Three convictions within 10 years would be a felony and require registration as a sex offender.
Supporters of the bill also say more and more people are moving into Idaho who have been convicted of felony sexual battery in other states where they have to register as a sex offender. But when they come into Idaho, they don't have to register because it's not considered a sex crime.
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