Jurists United to Stop Trafficking Imitation Child Exploitation Act of 2023 or the JUSTICE Act of 2023 This bill broadens the federal criminal prohibition on importation or transportation of obscene materials. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to import, or knowingly use a common carrier or interactive computer service to transport, a child sex doll.
Impact
The bill is expected to have far-reaching implications on state and federal laws pertaining to the regulation of sexually explicit materials. By outlawing the import and transport of these dolls, the bill aims to prevent the normalization of child exploitation behaviors. Supporters argue that this measure is crucial for the protection of minors and for sending a strong societal signal against child sexual abuse and trafficking.
Summary
House Bill 148, known as the Jurists United to Stop Trafficking Imitation Child Exploitation Act of 2023 or the JUSTICE Act of 2023, seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code. The primary aim of this bill is to prohibit the importation and transportation of child sex dolls. The bill explicitly defines a 'child sex doll' as being anatomically correct, resembling a minor, and intended for sexual acts. This legislation represents a significant tightening of laws surrounding obscene materials and child exploitation.
Contention
However, this bill may meet opposition from civil liberties advocates who argue that it could infringe on personal freedoms and could be seen as overreach in terms of defining obscenity. Critics might contend that the bill does not take into account the nuances of artistic expression or adult entertainment and that it could set a concerning precedent for future legislative actions surrounding adult materials. The balance between safeguarding children and maintaining personal liberties will likely be a point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension Act or the PRINTS ActThis bill addresses migrant minor children entering the United States. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime for a person to knowingly use a minor to gain entry to the United States if the minor is not a close relative or if the person is not the minor’s guardian. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must fingerprint all non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) entering the United States who are younger than 14 years of age if a CBP officer suspects that the child is victim of human trafficking.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must share with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) any fingerprints collected under this bill from an unaccompanied child if that child is transferred to HHS custody.DHS must report to Congress on the number of children fingerprinted annually under this bill. DHS must also publish on a monthly basis the number of individuals apprehended for falsely claiming a child accompanying them into the United States was a close relative.
Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images.
Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images.
Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal agencies from mandating the use of masks or face coverings on planes, trains, buses, and other public conveyances and at transportation hubs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies (1) the rule issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of masks or face coverings; and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration that relate to the CDC rule.
A bill for an act relating to materials used for prurient purposes, including age verification requirements for certain commercial entities, prohibitions on the publication, distribution, creation, or development of prohibited material, and prohibitions on child sexual exploitation material, and providing civil penalties.