H.R. 9071: Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026

The "Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026" introduces several key amendments to existing federal law regarding the trafficking and exploitation of minors, specifically in relation to commercial sexual acts. Below are the main provisions of the bill:

Key Amendments

• The bill revises Section 2422 of Title 18 of the United States Code to include more explicit prohibitions against enticing minors to participate in commercial sex acts.
• Under the new provisions, it would be illegal to:
  • Persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in any commercial sex act or related sexual activities.
  • Engage in a commercial sex act with a minor.
  • Solicit or offer to pay for a commercial sex act with a minor.
  • Enter or remain in a location with the intent to engage in a commercial sex act with a minor.
  • Attempt to commit any of the aforementioned offenses.
• It clarifies that a defendant cannot use the lack of knowledge regarding the victim's age as a defense if they had a reasonable opportunity to observe the victim.
• There would be no requirement to prove force, threats, fraud, or coercion if the victim is a minor, simplifying prosecution cases involving minors.
• The bill specifies that it is not a defense if law enforcement impersonates a minor during operations to catch offenders.

Penalties

The bill also outlines the penalties for those found guilty of violating these laws. It stipulates that individuals convicted of such offenses would face a minimum imprisonment of 10 years, with a longer term of 15 years if the minor is under the age of 14. In severe cases, those convicted could face life imprisonment.

Effective Date and Other Provisions

• The Act would take effect 180 days after it is enacted, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.
• There is a severability clause, which means if any part of the Act is found to be unconstitutional, the rest of the Act would remain in effect.

Relevant Companies

None found