Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal capital-punishment eligibility for sexual offenses against minors under 18. The bill would amend federal law to add a qualifying circumstance so that if a conviction involved a sexual offense and the victim had not attained age 18, prosecutors could seek the death penalty or a term of imprisonment authorized for crimes against children. The change inserts that victim-under-18 factor into 18 U.S.C. 3559(d)(1)(A).
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tougher federal penalties for child sex crimes
If enacted, sexual offenses against people under 18 would count as an aggravated factor in federal cases. Federal prosecutors could seek the death penalty or tougher prison terms in those cases. This would apply only when the conviction involves a sexual offense and the victim is under 18. It would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Cosponsors
Stauber
MN • R
Sponsored 4/8/2025
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
NY • R
Sponsored 4/8/2025
Davis (NC)
NC • D
Sponsored 4/8/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
NY • R
Sponsored 9/26/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov