Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act

The Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act (CSAFE Act) would establish a new federal criminal offense targeting adults who coerce minors into harmful activities. Specifically, the bill would make it illegal to compel a child to engage in animal crushing, self-harm, obscene speech, sexually explicit conduct, or abusive or degrading nonsexual conduct. Violations would be punishable by fines, prison time, or both.

The bill also includes provisions for prosecuting minors as adults in certain circumstances. If a minor aged 13 or older commits this offense and meets specific criteria—such as possessing a firearm during the crime—they could be prosecuted as an adult in federal court rather than juvenile court. This would potentially result in more serious penalties for young offenders.

The bill has passed the House and is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. If enacted, it would create a federal-level tool for law enforcement to prosecute cases involving coercion of minors, complementing existing state laws on child abuse and exploitation. The practical impact would depend on how broadly federal prosecutors interpret and apply the offense, particularly regarding what constitutes "compelling" a minor and which conduct falls under the law's scope.