Summary
Creates a new federal crime for anyone who uses threats, lies, or harassment to force a minor to commit acts of violence against themselves or others.
What problem does this solve?
Some people use the internet to threaten or trick children into doing dangerous things, like hurting themselves or others. This bill makes that behavior a serious federal crime with punishments up to life in prison to protect kids online.
What does this bill do?
Creates a new federal crime
Makes it illegal to intentionally force a minor to commit specific harmful acts, including suicide, murder, serious injury, arson, doxxing, or swatting.
Sets severe penalties for offenders
Establishes a punishment of up to life in prison for forcing a minor to die by suicide or kill another person. Other offenses carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison.
Defines what it means to 'coerce'
Specifies that coercion includes using extortion, threats, fraud, deceit, duress, intimidation, harassment, humiliation, degradation, or manipulation.
Defines specific online crimes
Provides clear legal definitions for harmful online acts like "doxxing" (publishing personal info to harass someone) and "swatting" (making a false emergency report).
Protects animals from coerced harm
Makes it illegal to force a minor to kill or injure any pet, emotional support animal, service animal, or horse.
Who does this affect?
- Children and teenagers
- Online predators
- Law enforcement agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Protects children from online predators
Creates strong legal tools for law enforcement to prosecute individuals who manipulate or threaten children online into performing dangerous and harmful acts. This is a direct response to growing concerns about online safety for minors.
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Establishes severe punishments as a deterrent
Sets penalties up to life in prison for the most serious offenses. The goal is to discourage potential offenders by showing that this type of crime will be punished very harshly.
When does this start?
The rules would take effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.