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HR 2539 99th Congress House

Children's Protection Act of 1985

Official title: A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to offenses relating to the sexual exploitation of children, and for other purposes.

Introduced: October 29, 1985 See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Child abuseChild molestingChildren and youthCivil actions and liability
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Courts and Civil ProcedureCrime preventionFamiliesOrganized crimePornographyProstitutionSex crimesSex-oriented businesses
This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) 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 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 21, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Crime.
May 16, 1985
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
May 16, 1985
Introduced in House
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 Latest action May 21, 1985

Referred to Subcommittee on Crime.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Children's Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute to extend the Act's coverage to the sexual exploitation of children.

Authorizes a civil suit for treble damages for any person injured personally or in his or her business or property.

Amends the Federal criminal code with regard to the sexual exploitation of children. Makes it a Federal offense to print or publish any statement or advertisement to receive, buy, produce, display, photograph, film, print or publish any statement or advertisement to receive, buy, produce, display, photograph, film, print or record any visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Prohibits offering participation in sexually explicit conduct with a minor. Lists factors that may be considered in determining whether a person engaged in such conduct has attained the age of 18. Provides that the Government need not establish the identify of the alleged minor in a prosecution under this section.

Increases the penalties for offenses involving the transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 2539: Children's Protection Act of 1985. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2539/
MLA
"H.R. 2539: Children's Protection Act of 1985." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2539/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 2539, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2539/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 2539: Children's Protection Act of 1985](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-2539/)
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