Indiana § 35-49-3-3 - Dissemination of matter or conducting performance harmful to minors

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-49-3-3 — Dissemination of matter or conducting performance harmful to minors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-49-3-3. Dissemination of matter or conducting performance harmful to minors

Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and section 4 of this chapter, a person who knowingly or intentionally:

(1) disseminates matter to minors that is harmful to minors (as described in IC 35-49-2);

(2) displays matter that is harmful to minors in an area to which minors have visual, auditory, or physical access, unless each minor is accompanied by the minor's parent or guardian;

(3) sells, rents, or displays for sale or rent to any person matter that is harmful to minors within five hundred (500) feet of the nearest property line of a school or church;

(4) engages in or conducts a performance before minors that is harmful to minors;

(5) engages in or conducts a performance that is harmful to minors in an area to which minors have visual, auditory, or physical access, unless each minor is accompanied by the minor's parent or guardian;

(6) misrepresents the minor's age for the purpose of obtaining admission to an area from which minors are restricted because of the display of matter or a performance that is harmful to minors; or

(7) misrepresents that the person is a parent or guardian of a minor for the purpose of obtaining admission of the minor to an area where minors are being restricted because of display of matter or performance that is harmful to minors;

commits a Level 6 felony.

(b) This section does not apply if a person disseminates, displays, or makes available the matter described in subsection (a) through the Internet, computer electronic transfer, or a computer network unless:

(1) the matter is obscene under IC 35-49-2-1;

(2) the matter is child sex abuse material under IC 35-42-4-4.5; or

(3) the person distributes the matter to a child less than eighteen (18) years of age believing or intending that the recipient is a child less than eighteen (18) years of age.

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.33. Amended by P.L.59-1995, SEC.4; P.L.3-2002, SEC.4; P.L.140-2006, SEC.35; P.L.158-2013, SEC.648; P.L.234-2023, SEC.5; P.L.218-2025, SEC.22; P.L.92-2026, SEC.34.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-49-3-3

What does Indiana Code § 35-49-3-3 cover?

Section 35-49-3-3 ("Dissemination of matter or conducting performance harmful to minors") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 35-49-3-3?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-49-3-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 35-49-3-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.