What does Preamble of S 1829 do?

This bill is formally titled Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2025 or the STOP CSAM Act of 2025. The bill aims to combat the sexual exploitation of children by supporting victims and promoting accountability and transparency by the tech industry. It appears to amend Section 3509 of Title 18, United States Code, related to protecting child victims and witnesses in federal court.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 1829 do?

This bill is formally titled the Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2025.

What does PROTECTING CHILD VICTIMS AND WITNESSES IN FEDERAL COURT. of S 1829 do?

This section amends Section 3509 of Title 18, United States Code, related to protecting child victims and witnesses in federal court. Amendments expand the definition of 'psychological abuse' to include a pattern of acts intended to degrade or intimidate a child. The definition of 'exploitation' is clarified to include child pornography, child sex trafficking, and obscene visual depictions of a child. The term 'covered person' is introduced, encompassing victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, or kidnapping, and witnesses to such crimes, who were under 18 when the crime occurred. The definition of 'protected information' is established, including personally identifiable information, medical records, and other information deemed protected by the court. Changes are made to subsections (b) and (d) concerning video recording of depositions and the disclosure of protected information. Subsection (j) is amended to replace 'child' with 'covered person' in several instances. The effective date of these amendments applies to conduct occurring before, on, or after the date of enactment of the Act.

What does FACILITATING PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION; TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO of S 1829 do?

This section amends Title 18, United States Code, specifically sections 1593, 2248, and 2259. Amendments to section 1593(c) and 2248(c) involve inserting “(1)” after “(c)” and striking certain phrases, and inserting others related to assuming victim's rights. Section 2259 is amended to clarify restitution orders, particularly in cases involving offenses under specific sections like 1466A and this chapter. The definition of 'child pornography production' and 'trafficking in child pornography' are significantly revised and expanded within section 2259. The bill establishes provisions for appointing a trustee or other fiduciary to manage restitution payments for foreign citizens or stateless persons, with conditions and fee structures. The bill authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 annually to the United States courts to carry out these provisions.

What does CYBERTIPLINE IMPROVEMENTS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY of S 1829 do?

This section amends Chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, related to reporting requirements for online child sexual exploitation. It establishes a 'Duty to Report' for providers to submit reports to the CyberTipline or a successor operated by NCMEC within 60 days of obtaining knowledge of certain facts or circumstances, or apparent child pornography. The report must include information about the provider and the facts or circumstances, and may include information to identify or locate involved minors. The report's contents should include identifying information of individuals, terms of service, and any apparent child pornography, along with indicators of its origin and distribution. It adds a new section, 2260B, establishing liability for providers of interactive computer services who intentionally host or store child pornography or knowingly promote violations of related statutes. Penalties for violations under section 2260B can be up to $1,000,000, or $5,000,000 if the offense involves a risk of serious personal injury or harm. The amendments to reporting requirements will take effect 120 days after the Act's enactment.

What does EXPANDING CIVIL REMEDIES FOR VICTIMS OF ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL of S 1829 do?

This section amends Title 18, United States Code, Section 2255 to create a private right of action for individuals who, while minors, were victims of specific violations related to child exploitation. It establishes a new section, 2255A, within Chapter 110 of Title 18, providing an additional remedy for victims of child pornography or child sexual exploitation involving online platforms and app stores. This new remedy allows victims to bring civil actions against providers of interactive computer services or app stores who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly promote or aid violations related to child exploitation. The available relief includes actual damages, liquidated damages of $300,000, and potential punitive damages, along with injunctive relief. There is no statute of limitations for filing a complaint under this section. The section clarifies that nothing in Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 impairs or limits claims brought under this section. It defines key terms such as 'app,' 'app store,' and 'interactive computer service' for the purposes of this section.

What does SEVERABILITY. of S 1829 do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and amendments will remain in effect. The application of any provision or amendment to a specific person or circumstance can be invalidated without affecting its application to others.

What does CONTINUED APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND TRIBAL LAW. of S 1829 do?

This section clarifies that the Act does not diminish existing rights or remedies for victims of child pornography or child sexual exploitation under federal law. The Act also prevents preemption, diminishment, or supplanting of state or tribal laws providing rights or remedies to victims of child pornography or child sexual exploitation. State or tribal laws governing child pornography or child sexual exploitation that offer at least as much protection to victims as the Act itself are not prohibited from enforcement.

Back to bills

STOP CSAM Act of 2025 — S. 1829

Last updated: 6/26/2025 · Introduced: 5/21/2025

Author: Josh Hawley (R-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill expands the definition of 'psychological abuse' and 'exploitation' in federal court proceedings related to child victims and witnesses, encompassing degrading acts and including child pornography and trafficking.
It clarifies and expands restitution orders in cases involving child pornography and trafficking, and establishes a process for managing restitution payments for foreign citizens or stateless persons, authorizing $15 million annually for the courts.
The bill mandates that online providers report suspected child exploitation material to the CyberTipline within 60 days and establishes liability for providers who intentionally host or promote child pornography.
It creates a private right of action for victims of online child sexual exploitation to seek damages against interactive computer services and app stores who promote or aid related violations.
The Act clarifies that it does not diminish existing federal, state, or tribal laws providing rights or remedies to victims of child pornography or child sexual exploitation.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 3921(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

8 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account