Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Passed Senate
Summary
Expands federal reach and penalties for sexual crimes against children. It would broaden which conduct federal law covers, add new offenses for deliberately touching minors, and tighten the consent defense for victims under 16.
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- Families and children: Would create a new federal offense for knowingly causing intentional, not-through-clothing, touching of the genitalia of a person under 16 with sexual intent. Punishments may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: Would broaden federal jurisdiction by replacing "crosses a State line" with "travels in interstate or foreign commerce" and by expanding coverage in federal facilities and maritime or territorial jurisdictions. The bill would also treat attempts like completed offenses and update charging and sentencing cross-references.
- Defendants and legal standards: For offenses involving victims under 16, the bill would bar a consent defense unless the offender proves by a preponderance of the evidence that they reasonably believed the victim was 16. The text also reorganizes and renumbers related provisions for clarity.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader federal reach for sexual crimes
This bill would let federal prosecutors rely on travel in interstate or foreign commerce, not just crossing a State line. It would change the travel-with-minor rule so 'any conduct involving' a minor can trigger federal charges. If enacted, these changes could increase federal cases when minors are moved across places.
Stronger rules on abusive sexual contact
This bill would broaden federal abusive sexual contact laws and make attempts punishable like completed crimes. It would add language to cover conduct a person 'causes' and update sentencing cross-references. It would also create a new crime for intentional, not-through-clothing, genital touching by a person under 16 in certain federal custody settings. If enacted, these changes could increase protections for minors and lead to more federal charges and updated sentencing rules.
Tougher kidnapping rules for minors
This bill would expand federal kidnapping to cover people obtained by fraud or deception. It would bar consent as a defense for victims under 16. The offender could avoid that only by proving they reasonably believed the victim was at least 16. If enacted, these changes could let federal prosecutors pursue more deceit-based kidnappings involving minors.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 4/8/2025
Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
GA • D
Sponsored 9/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov