Holding Child Predators Accountable Act

This bill greatly increases punishments for crimes involving child sexual abuse material. It changes federal law so that people who create, share, receive, or even possess these images or videos could face life in prison or the death penalty. It also applies to attempts and conspiracies. The tougher penalties cover both real images of children and certain obscene visual depictions involving minors. It does not change what the crimes are—only how severely they are punished.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Anyone who produces, distributes, receives, transports, or possesses child sexual abuse material, as well as those who attempt or plan these crimes.
• What changes: Penalties are raised to allow life in prison or the death penalty for these offenses.
• Scope: Covers crimes listed in federal sections dealing with obscene depictions of minors and child pornography offenses.