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Prohibits trafficking and certain possession of child‑sex‑simulation dolls and robots: it creates a new federal crime for buying, selling, shipping, delivering, or distributing “child sex dolls” in interstate or foreign commerce, and for possessing such items that were traded or with the intent to traffic. It also adds findings that the devices are linked to child sexual exploitation and inserts the new offense into the criminal code. The law amends the existing statutory provision to explicitly cover ‘‘child sex dolls,’’ adjusts punctuation/formatting in the statute text, and updates the chapter table to include the new trafficking offense. The measure focuses on criminalizing commerce and possession tied to these items rather than on broader civil remedies or funding programs.
There is a correlation between possession of the obscene dolls and robots, and possession of and participation in child pornography.
The physical features, and potentially the 'personalities,' of the robots are customizable or morphable and can resemble actual children.
Some owners and makers of the robots have made their children interact with the robots as if the robots are members of the family.
The robots can have settings that simulate rape.
The dolls and robots not only lead to rape, but they make rape easier by teaching the rapist about how to overcome resistance and subdue the victim.
Who is affected and how
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of child‑sex‑simulation dolls and robots: The statute directly targets commercial activity in interstate or foreign commerce. Businesses making, importing, listing for sale, or shipping these devices would face criminal exposure if they knowingly engage in prohibited sales or shipments. Even parties that facilitate listings or cross‑border transactions may need to change practices to avoid criminal risk.
Online marketplaces and platform operators: Platforms that host listings or facilitate transactions may experience increased enforcement risk and pressure to block or remove listings for such devices. They may need to enhance content moderation, listing review, and seller verification and may face more takedown or preservation requests from law enforcement.
Freight carriers, shipping companies, and postal services: Carriers that transport items in interstate or foreign commerce could be drawn into investigations when shipments involve these items. They may need to adopt screening, reporting, or hold procedures and cooperate with law enforcement inquiries.
Individuals who possess such dolls: Private individuals found possessing dolls that were trafficked in interstate commerce, or who possess with the intent to traffic, could face federal criminal charges. The law targets possession linked to prior trafficking or to an intent to engage in trafficking.
Law enforcement and prosecutors: Federal law enforcement will gain a specific federal offense to use in investigations. Agencies will need to develop investigative guidance, evidentiary standards, and probable‑cause practices for seizures and prosecutions. State and local partners may be involved in joint investigations.
Courts and defense bar: The new offense will generate litigation over statutory interpretation, the definition of prohibited items, mens rea (knowledge/intent), and potential constitutional challenges (vagueness, overbreadth, expressive‑content claims). Judges will resolve evidentiary and definitional disputes.
Child protection and advocacy groups: The bill is framed to address harms linked to exploitation and may be welcomed by groups that argue such devices facilitate abuse or normalize sexual harm to minors. Those groups may push for vigorous enforcement and additional measures.
Potential practical outcomes and risks
Adds a new section 1471 to chapter 71 of title 18 creating the offense 'Trafficking in child sex dolls', prohibiting (1) buying, selling, delivering, or distributing in interstate or foreign commerce any child sex doll, (2) possessing a child sex doll that has been so bought, sold, delivered, or distributed, and (3) possessing such a child sex doll with intent to engage in conduct prohibited by paragraph (1).
Amends section 1462 of title 18, United States Code by: (1) striking the word "or" at the end of paragraph (a); (2) striking the word "or" at the end of paragraph (b); (3) inserting after paragraph (c) a new paragraph (d) reading "any child sex doll; or; and"; and (4) adding a period at the end.
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Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced February 11, 2025 by Vernon G. Buchanan · Last progress February 11, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House