Bill > S1333

This bill strengthens legal protections for minors by modifying several provisions in the United States Code related to kidnapping, sexual abuse, and sexual conduct involving minors. The bill expands kidnapping definitions to include obtaining a person through fraud or deception, and clarifies that for victims under 16, consent is not a valid defense unless the offender can prove they reasonably believed the victim was 16 or older. It broadens the scope of sexual abuse offenses by changing interstate travel requirements, introducing new provisions about intentional inappropriate touching of minors under 16, and adjusting penalties for sexual contact offenses. The bill also updates language around sexual misconduct, particularly in contexts involving federal facilities, prisons, and special maritime jurisdictions. Importantly, the legislation increases protections for minors by making it easier to prosecute sexual abuse cases and removing potential legal loopholes that might have previously made prosecution more difficult. The amendments apply to conduct that occurred before, on, or after the bill's enactment, which means the new provisions can be applied retroactively.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1333/all-info