What does Preamble of Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend Title 18, United States Code, concerning coercion and enticement. The proposed amendment would clarify and expand the prohibition to include patronizing or soliciting a minor for a commercial sex act.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026.

What does AMENDMENT TO COERCION AND ENTICEMENT STATUTE. of Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 2422 of Title 18, United States Code, which concerns coercion and enticement related to minors. The amendment expands the prohibited actions to include engaging in commercial sex acts with a minor, soliciting or patronizing a minor for such acts, paying for such acts, and attempting to commit these offenses. It establishes that lack of knowledge of the victim's age is not a defense, and the government does not need to prove knowledge of age if the defendant had a reasonable opportunity to observe the victim. The amendment clarifies that proof of force, fraud, or coercion is not required to prosecute offenses under this section when the victim is a minor. It prohibits the defense that the victim was an undercover law enforcement officer or someone acting at their direction. The amendment defines key terms including 'commercial sex act,' 'minor,' and 'sex act,' referencing other sections of the U.S. Code. The penalties for violating this section are increased, with a minimum sentence of 10 years (or 15 years if the minor is under 14) and a potential life sentence.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 do?

This Act will become effective 180 days after its enactment. The Act's provisions will apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a severability clause. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still apply. The application of the Act to other persons or circumstances will not be affected by a finding of unconstitutionality.

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Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/29/2026 · Introduced: 5/29/2026

Author: Troy Nehls (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill expands federal law to prohibit engaging in commercial sex acts with a minor, as well as soliciting or paying for such acts, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is proven.
The bill eliminates the defense of lack of knowledge of the victim's age, unless the defendant reasonably could not have observed the victim's age.
It increases penalties for violating these laws, establishing a minimum sentence of 10 years and potentially a life sentence, depending on the minor’s age.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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