Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act
Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act
Plain Language Summary
# Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act (CSAFE Act) Summary **What the Bill Does:** The CSAFE Act creates new federal crimes for adults who force or pressure minors to engage in harmful activities, including animal cruelty, self-harm, obscene speech, sexual conduct, or degrading abuse. Violations would be punishable by fines and/or prison time. The bill also allows minors aged 13 and older to be prosecuted as adults in federal court in certain serious cases—such as when a firearm is involved during the offense. **Who It Affects:** The law would primarily protect minors (people under 18) by creating federal criminal penalties for coercion and abuse.
It applies to anyone who compels a minor to engage in these harmful acts. It could also affect minors aged 13+ in cases where they're charged, as they could potentially face adult criminal prosecution under specific circumstances. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is part of the 119th Congress. It would need Senate approval and the President's signature to become law.
CRS Official Summary
Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act of 2025 or the CSAFE Act of 2025This bill establishes a new federal criminal offense for compelling a minor to engage in certain acts: animal crushing, self-harm, obscene speech, sexually explicit conduct, or abusive or degrading nonsexual conduct.An offense, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense, is punishable by a fine, prison term, or both. Additionally, in the case of an offense committed by a minor who is at least 13 years of age, the bill allows the minor to be prosecuted as an adult in federal court if certain criteria are met (e.g., possession of a firearm during the offense).
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.