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H.R. 5397 107th Congress House

Protecting Our Children From Violence Act of 2002

Official title: To protect our children from violence.

Introduced: September 18, 2002 See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement AliensAssaultChild abuseChild pornography
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Child safetyChild sexual abuseCivil actions and liabilityComputer crimesConfidential communicationsCongressCriminal investigationCriminal justice informationCriminal justice information systemsDamagesDepartment of JusticeEconomics and Public FinanceEvidence (Law)Executive reorganizationFamiliesFamily violenceFederal aid to law enforcementFederal aid to transportationFederal officialsFederal-local relationsFederal-state relationsFines (Penalties)FirearmsGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment publicityHomicideImmigrationInformation networksInformersKidnappingLabor and EmploymentLawLegal feesLegislationLimitation of actionsMarried peopleMissing childrenMurderParental kidnappingParentsPolice communication systemsPolice trainingPostal crimesProsecutionProstitutionPunitive damagesRadio broadcastingRecidivistsScience, Technology, CommunicationsSentences (Criminal procedure)Signs and signboardsTraffic signs and signalsTransportation and Public Works
This bill died when the 107th Congress ended
It never became law before the 107th Congress (2001–2002) 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 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Nov 25, 2002
Referred to the Subcommittee on Select Education.
Oct 7, 2002
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Sep 18, 2002
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sep 18, 2002
Introduced in House
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 Latest action November 25, 2002

Referred to the Subcommittee on Select Education.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Protecting Our Children From Violence Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth criminal penalties for the: (1) assault or maiming of an individual under 18 years of age (minor); (2) custodial (parental) kidnaping of a minor; and (3) murder or attempted murder of a minor. Provides a civil action for the relief of a victim or of a parent on behalf of a victim.

Authorizes the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to forward to local law enforcement agencies any electronic reports received concerning possible violations of child pornography laws.

Requires the Attorney General to establish an AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert Coordinator position.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for developing and constructing along highways facilities and equipment designed to notify the public of missing children.

Establishes within the Federal Bureau of Investigation a National Crimes Against Children Response Center to: (1) develop a national response plan model for reporting crimes involving the victimization of children; and (2) protect children from future crimes.

Increases from 25 to 35 years the statute of limitations for child abuse offenses. Makes the confidential marital communication privilege and adverse spousal privilege inapplicable to Federal proceedings where a spouse is charged with a crime against a child of either spouse or against a child under the custody or control of either spouse. Increases penalties for sex offenses.

Directs the Attorney General to appoint a Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Crimes Against Children.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 5397: Protecting Our Children From Violence Act of 2002. 107th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/107-HR-5397/
MLA
"H.R. 5397: Protecting Our Children From Violence Act of 2002." 107th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/107-HR-5397/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 5397, 107th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/107-HR-5397/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 5397: Protecting Our Children From Violence Act of 2002](https://openamerica.io/bill/107-HR-5397/)
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