ENFORCE Act

H.R. 4831, the ENFORCE Act (Enhancing Necessary Federal Offenses Regarding Child Exploitation Act), would amend federal law to address child sexual abuse material created or modified using artificial intelligence. Currently, federal laws may not adequately cover AI-generated or AI-enhanced child sexual abuse material, potentially creating legal gaps. This bill would update those laws to ensure such material is treated and prosecuted with the same severity as traditional child sexual abuse material under federal law.

If enacted, the bill would give prosecutors stronger legal tools to pursue offenders who produce, possess, or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The legislation would also establish requirements for sex offender registration and sentencing guidelines for these crimes. Supporters argue the bill is necessary because artificial intelligence has made it easier for predators to create exploitative material, and current laws have not kept pace with this technology.

The bill is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. It was introduced in August 2025 with bipartisan support from Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), and Steve Cohen (D-TN), and has been endorsed by child protection organizations including the National Children's Alliance and Child Rescue Coalition.