Technical corrections only. v3 includes updated administrative information reflecting its referral to the Senate and the specific name of the House Clerk attesting to its passage. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.
Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 13, 2026
Bottom line
This bill expands federal criminal law to explicitly criminalize the coercion of minors into various harmful acts, including self-harm and sexually explicit conduct, carrying severe penalties.
What it actually does
This bill amends federal criminal code (18 U.S.C. 2422) to explicitly prohibit intentionally compelling a minor to engage in self-harm, animal crushing, abusive nonsexual conduct, or sexually explicit conduct, particularly when using interstate commerce or within federal jurisdiction. It also includes a technical amendment related to juvenile delinquency proceedings for certain sexual abuse offenses.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill closes a critical loophole in federal law, providing necessary protections for minors against increasingly sophisticated forms of online and offline coercion. They contend it addresses emerging threats like online challenges promoting self-harm and ensures perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences, safeguarding vulnerable children.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that existing laws already cover many of these acts, and this bill could lead to over-federalization of crimes typically handled at the state level. Concerns could also be raised about the broad definition of 'compel' and potential for unintended consequences or misuse, particularly regarding the scope of 'abusive or degrading nonsexual conduct.'
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing ample time for thorough review and understanding.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Unlawfully Compelling Children to Engage in Harmful Conduct
This provision makes it a federal crime to intentionally force or manipulate a minor, using means like the internet or mail, into engaging in self-harm (including suicide), animal cruelty, abusive nonsexual acts that are criminal offenses, or sexually explicit conduct. The definition of 'compel' includes threats, extortion, blackmail, fraud, deceit, or manipulation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a gap in federal law, particularly concerning online exploitation and manipulation of minors into self-harm or other degrading acts not explicitly covered by existing child sexual abuse statutes. They contend it provides a robust legal framework to prosecute those who exploit children's vulnerabilities.
Critics contend
Some might argue that existing state laws or broader federal statutes (e.g., those against child abuse, assault, or cyberstalking) could already cover many of these acts, and this provision represents an unnecessary expansion of federal jurisdiction. Concerns could also be raised about the breadth of 'abusive or degrading nonsexual conduct' and potential for overreach.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need to protect vulnerable minors from evolving forms of exploitation with concerns about the scope of federal criminal law and potential overlap with state jurisdiction. It also navigates the challenge of defining 'compel' broadly enough to capture manipulative behavior without infringing on other rights.
Section 2(a), new 18 U.S.C. 2422(c)(2)
Enhanced Penalties for Coercion Resulting in Harm
This section establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations. Basic offenses carry up to 10 years imprisonment. If serious bodily injury results from the coerced act, the penalty increases to up to 20 years. If death results, the perpetrator faces any term of years or life imprisonment.
Section 2(b)
Conforming Amendment for Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings
This amendment updates Section 5032 of title 18, United States Code, which pertains to federal juvenile delinquency proceedings, to include references to Section 2242(c). This ensures that certain existing offenses related to sexual abuse of a minor (specifically those under 2242(c)) are properly considered within the framework of federal juvenile delinquency law.