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Strengthening Child Protection: New Laws and Penalties.

This Act amends provisions related to kidnapping, sexual abuse, and illicit sexual conduct with minors. It aims to enhance child protection by closing a loophole regarding victim consent under 16 and broadening the definition of offenses, potentially leading to harsher penalties for perpetrators. Citizens should be aware that the law is becoming more stringent in protecting minors.
Key points
No Consent Defense for Victims Under 16: Consent from a victim under 16 years of age will not be a defense in kidnapping cases, unless the offender can prove they reasonably believed the victim was at least 16. This significantly complicates the defense for perpetrators.
Expanded Kidnapping Definition: The definition of kidnapping now includes cases where a person is obtained by defrauding or deceiving, broadening the scope of protection.
New Intentional Touching Offense: A new offense is introduced for knowingly causing intentional touching, not through clothing, of the genitalia of a person under 16, with intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse sexual desire, even if not a full sexual act.
Expanded Jurisdiction: The wording for sexual offenses is changed from "crosses a State line" to "travels in interstate or foreign commerce," potentially expanding the reach of federal law enforcement.
Harsher Penalties for Attempts: Attempting to commit an offense will be subject to the same penalty as a completed offense.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Passed Senate
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1333
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Process start date: 2025-04-08
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_1333.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-04-08.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • No Consent Defense for Victims Under 16: Consent from a victim under 16 years of age will not be a defense in kidnapping cases, unless the offender can prove they reasonably believed the victim was at least 16. This significantly complicates the defense for perpetrators.
  • Expanded Kidnapping Definition: The definition of kidnapping now includes cases where a person is obtained by defrauding or deceiving, broadening the scope of protection.
  • New Intentional Touching Offense: A new offense is introduced for knowingly causing intentional touching, not through clothing, of the genitalia of a person under 16, with intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse sexual desire, even if not a full sexual act.
  • Expanded Jurisdiction: The wording for sexual offenses is changed from "crosses a State line" to "travels in interstate or foreign commerce," potentially expanding the reach of federal law enforcement.
  • Harsher Penalties for Attempts: Attempting to commit an offense will be subject to the same penalty as a completed offense.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Passed Senate.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S6843-6844)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Family Security