SHIELD Act of 2025 has not moved since its introduction on Feb 11, 2025, with cosponsors split almost evenly between the parties
Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 240 words.
Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution Act of 2025 or the SHIELD Act of 2025 This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses related to the distribution of sexual exploitative content. First, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly mail or distribute (or intentionally threaten to mail or distribute) an intimate visual depiction of a recognizable adult engaged in sexual conduct. To constitute a crime, certain elements must be met, including that the distribution must be nonconsensual; the depiction is not a matter of public concern; and the distribution must be intended to cause harm or cause harm. A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both; mandatory restitution; and the forfeiture of material involved in the offense, property constituting or derived from the proceeds from the offense, and property used to commit or facilitate the offense. Second, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly mail or distribute (or intentionally threaten to mail or distribute) a visual depiction of a nude minor with intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade the minor, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to three years, or both; mandatory restitution; and the forfeiture of material involved in the offense, property constituting or derived from the proceeds from the offense, and property used to commit or facilitate the offense.
- Committees
- House Judiciary Committee
- Policy area
- Crime and Law Enforcement: 118 of 4,553 bills became law, 113th–118th (2.6%)
- Sponsor
- 2 of 145 bills enacted since 2013
- Text versions
- 1: introduced in house · 1,275 words
- Subjects
- Civil actions and liabilityCrimes against childrenCriminal procedure and sentencingDomestic violence and child abuseInternet, web applications, social mediaPornography +2 more
- Latest action
- Feb 11, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Records
- Congress.gov · Bill text
Each bill appears once, under its strongest link. 1 in all.
Related, per CRS or House · 1
- 119th S. 516 SHIELD Act of 2023 D · Introduced