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HR 596 99th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Child abuse Child molesting Children and youth Crime prevention Crimes against women Rape Sex crimes Women's rights

Sexual Assault Act of 1985

Introduced: January 22, 1985 Introduced by: Hoyer, Steny H. Democratic · Maryland See on congress.gov
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 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 6, 1986
See H.R.4745.
Apr 30, 1986
Clean Bill to be Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu.
Apr 30, 1986
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Apr 29, 1986
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Mar 6, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice.
Jan 22, 1985
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Jan 22, 1985
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Sexual Assault Act of 1985 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a series of graded sexual offenses consisting of: aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual contact. Provides for an offense involving the sexual abuse of a minor or ward. Makes such offenses neutral as to gender.

Repeals the chapter on rape. Makes conforming changes to the Public Health Service Act, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Mental Health Systems Act, the Federal Aviation Act, and the Federal Rules of Evidence.

What's happening now May 6, 1986

See H.R.4745.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 596: Sexual Assault Act of 1985. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-596/
MLA
"H.R. 596: Sexual Assault Act of 1985." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-596/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 596, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-596/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 596: Sexual Assault Act of 1985](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-596/)
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