HR 9071 — Preventing Trafficking of Minors Act of 2026

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html May 29, 2026

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands and clarifies the coercion and enticement laws relating to minors and updates penalties accordingly.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)

  Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so → Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce (including the telephone or internet), or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, knowingly-- (1) persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years to engage in a commercial sex act or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense; (2) engages in a commercial sex act with a minor; (3) solicits, offers to patronize, or patronizes a minor for a commercial sex act; (4) pays, agrees to pay, or offers to pay any person for the purpose of engaging in a commercial sex act with a minor; (5) enters or remains in a place with the intent to engage in a commercial sex act with a minor; or (6) attempts to commit any offense described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection

  This change clarifies the prohibited activities regarding minors and adds new offenses related to engaging with minors in a commercial sex act.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)

  shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 10 years or for life → shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 10 years (or 15 years if the minor is under 14 years of age) or for life

  This change increases the minimum sentence for offenses involving minors under 14 years of age to 15 years.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422

  Knowledge of Age.--It is not a defense that the defendant did not know the victim's age or reasonably believed the victim to be 18 years of age or older. If the defendant had a reasonable opportunity to observe the victim, the Government need not prove that the defendant knew that the victim was under 18 years of age.

  This addition removes the defense of lack of knowledge of a minor's age, making it easier to prosecute offenders.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422

  No Requirement of Force, Fraud, or Coercion.--Proof of force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion is not required if the victim is a minor.

  This change eliminates the need to prove coercion in cases involving minors, simplifying prosecution.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422

  No Defense Based on Law Enforcement Involvement.--It shall not be a defense to prosecution under this section that the purported minor was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer or an individual acting at the direction of law enforcement representing themselves as a minor.

  This change prevents defendants from using undercover operations as a defense.

• 18 U.S.C. § 2422(f)

  Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term `commercial sex act' has the meaning given that term in section 1591(e)(3); (2) the term `minor' means a person under 18 years of age; and (3) the term `sex act' has the meaning given the term `sexual act' in section 2246(2), and includes sexual contact as defined in section 2246(3).

  This addition provides clear definitions for key terms used in the law.

Action History

1. May 29, 2026

   Introduced in House

2. May 29, 2026

   Introduced in House

3. May 29, 2026

   Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsors

• Wesley Hunt · Cosponsor
• Gabe Evans · Cosponsor
• Kevin Kiley · Cosponsor
• Troy E. Nehls · Primary

Subjects