Combat Online Predators Act

Bill: 116-hr-570
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Introduced: 2019-01-15
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses

Congressional oversight

Crime victims

Crimes against children

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Internet and video services

Internet, web applications, social media

Law enforcement administration and funding

State and local government operations
Latest action: action_date: 2019-02-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-01-15
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p> <b>Combat Online Predators Act</b></p> <p>This bill increases the maximum prison term for a stalking offense, if the victim is under 18 years of age. </p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 570 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 15, 2019 Mr. Fitzpatrick (for himself and Mrs. Murphy ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, with regard to stalking.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Combat Online Predators Act . 2. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children (a) In general Chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2261A the following: 2261B. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), if the victim of an offense under section 2261A is under the age of 18 years, the maximum imprisonment for the offense is 5 years greater than the maximum term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261. (b) Limitation Subsection (a) shall not apply to a person who violates section 2261A if— (1) the person is subject to a sentence under section 2261(b)(5); and (2) (A) the person is under the age of 18 at the time the offense occurred; or (B) the victim of the offense is not less than 15 nor more than 17 years of age and not more than 3 years younger than the person who committed the offense at the time the offense occurred. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2261A the following new item: 2261B. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children. . (c) Conforming amendment Section 2261A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2261(b) of this title and inserting section 2261(b) or section 2262B, as the case may be . 3. Report on best practices regarding enforcement of anti-stalking laws Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit a report to Congress, which shall— (1) include an evaluation of Federal, tribal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking; and (2) identify and describe those elements of such efforts that constitute the best practices for the enforcement of such laws.