Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB353

Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

PROTECT Act of 2023 Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2023

Impact

The bill proposes significant amendments to Section 3553 of Title 18 in the United States Code, detailing sentencing structures specifically for child pornography offenses. Under the new provisions, courts are mandated to impose sentences that are strictly defined based on minimum periods outlined in the sentencing range. Notably, the bill specifies that facts admitted by the defendant during proceedings will play a crucial role in determining the sentencing outcome, ensuring that punishments are reflective of the severity of the crime.

Summary

SB353, formally known as the PROTECT Act of 2023, was introduced to address the increasing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of child pornography. The bill aims to establish stringent penalties for offenses related to child pornography, enhancing existing laws to hold offenders accountable. This legislation arrives amidst growing scrutiny of child exploitation cases and emphasizes the need for appropriate legal frameworks to tackle these offenses effectively.

Contention

While the primary objective of SB353 is to strengthen legal repercussions surrounding child pornography, there may be points of contention related to how the bill balances justice and rehabilitation. Critics may raise concerns regarding mandatory sentencing guidelines, arguing they limit judicial discretion and may result in disproportionately harsh punishments for offenders. Moreover, the definition of what constitutes a 'child pornography offense' is critical, as it could impact many cases and fuel debate over the interpretation of the law in various contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2640

Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023 Legal Workforce Act Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 Visa Overstays Penalties Act Protection of Children Act of 2023 Ensuring United Families at the Border Act Border Safety and Migrant Protection Act of 2023 Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US HB3686

SHIELD Act of 2023 Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2023

US HB2417

Protection of Children Act of 2023

US HB5415

Safeguarding Endangered Children, Unaccompanied and at Risk of Exploitation Act of 2023

US SB2597

Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act of 2023

US HB4440

Protecting Children Act

US HB702

HOME Act of 2023 Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation Act of 2023

US SB136

ISA Student Protection Act of 2023

US SB270

Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2023

US HB798

Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.