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S 2021 100th Congress Senate

Child Freedom From Sexual Exploitation Act of 1988

Official title: A bill to protect children from sexual exploitation.

Introduced: March 31, 1988 Introduced by: Grassley, Chuck Republican · Iowa See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Business and commerceBusiness recordsChild abuseChild molesting
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Children and youthCivil actions and liabilityCivil procedureComputer networksComputersCourts and Civil ProcedureCrime preventionCriminal procedure and sentencingDamagesForfeitureGovernment paperworkGovernment records, documents, and informationOrganized crimePornographyProstitution
This bill died when the 100th Congress ended
It never became law before the 100th Congress (1987–1988) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 1, 1988
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Feb 1, 1988
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action February 1, 1988

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Child Freedom From Sexual Exploitation Act of 1988 - Title I: Child Pornography - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it illegal to use a computer to transport information in interstate or foreign commerce concerning the visual depiction of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct (child pornography).

Establishes criminal penalties for buying, selling, or transferring the custody of a minor: (1) knowing that, as a consequence of the sale or transfer, the minor will be used in child pornography; or (2) with the intent to promote child pornography. States that such sale or transfer must involve: (1) the minor or other actor traveling in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) communications in interstate or foreign commerce; or (3) conduct in a territory or possession of the United States.

Requires any person who produces a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape, or other matter which contains any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct (which is shipped or intended for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or contains material shipped in interstate or foreign commerce) to maintain certain records regarding the performers portrayed in such conduct. Directs the Attorney General to issue regulations regarding the maintenance and availability of such records.

Permits any minor who is a victim of sexual exploitation or juvenile prostitution to bring a civil action in Federal district court. Provides for treble damages for victims who suffer physical injuries as a result of such violations.

Includes the sexual exploitation of children as a predicate offense to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute.

Title II: Criminal and Civil Forfeiture for Offenses Involving Sexual Exploitation of Children - Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture procedures with respect to Federal offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 2021: Child Freedom From Sexual Exploitation Act of 1988. 100th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/100-S-2021/
MLA
"S. 2021: Child Freedom From Sexual Exploitation Act of 1988." 100th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/100-S-2021/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 2021, 100th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/100-S-2021/.
Markdown link
[S. 2021: Child Freedom From Sexual Exploitation Act of 1988](https://openamerica.io/bill/100-S-2021/)
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