Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act of 2017

Bill 115 hr 1761, also known as the Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of combating child exploitation and protecting children from online predators. The bill seeks to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in the sexual exploitation of children.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the expansion of the definition of child pornography to include any visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This broader definition is intended to close loopholes that may have allowed individuals to evade prosecution for exploiting children.

Additionally, the bill increases the penalties for individuals convicted of child exploitation offenses, including mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses. This is aimed at deterring individuals from engaging in such criminal behavior and ensuring that those who do are held accountable for their actions. The bill also includes provisions to enhance the training of law enforcement officers and prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting child exploitation cases. This is intended to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in combating this serious issue. Overall, the Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act of 2017 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to strengthen the legal framework for combating child exploitation and protecting children from harm. It reflects a bipartisan effort to address a pressing issue and ensure that those who exploit children are brought to justice.