SB 538

This bill creates the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act, which makes i t an offense for a person to use an online platform to engage in the grooming of another who the person knows or reasonably should know is an autistic young adult subject to a conservatorship. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $2, 500, or both . This bill urge s o nline platforms to implement and enforce policies to prevent and report these grooming activities that target the highly vulnerable population of autistic young adults, including build ing a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with the intent t o commit an act of exploitation, sexual abuse, sextortion, or trafficking . This bill provides that f amily members or conservators of autistic young adults subject to a conservatorship should have access to tools and resources to monitor and protect the o nline activities of autistic young adults."