New federal crime would target coercion of minors into self-harm or abuse
Passed one chamberH.R. 6732Latest action
Sponsor: Andy Biggs · Representative · AZ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The CSAFE Act creates a federal crime for coercing minors into self-harm, animal cruelty, or sexual conduct, with penalties up to life in prison.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill creates a new federal crime for adults who use threats, blackmail, fraud, or manipulation to pressure a minor into self-harm, suicide attempts, animal cruelty, other abusive or degrading criminal behavior, or sexually explicit conduct. Penalties scale with harm: up to 10 years for the coercion itself, up to 20 years if the victim is seriously injured, and up to life if the victim dies. It also updates related law so the new crime fits consistently within the federal system, including rules for juvenile offenders.
Who does it affect?
The law targets adults who manipulate or coerce minors, often online through messages or social media, into dangerous or abusive acts. It affects federal prosecutors, parents, children, schools, and law enforcement handling online exploitation cases.
Why does it matter?
The bill gives prosecutors a specific charge for online coercion of minors instead of relying only on broader existing laws, expanding potential criminal liability and penalties in these cases.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 16, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jan 13, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.