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Bill

S 490

Protecting Americans’ Privacy Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Patty Murray and 5 co-sponsors

Bill S 490 strengthens protections for minors under 17 by expanding sex offense definitions, ensuring stricter accountability for offenders and enhancing child safety.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 490

Summary of Bill S 490

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 490
  • Title: Includes instances of sexual conduct against a child less than seventeen years of age to certain sex offenses
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 490 aims to amend existing legislation to explicitly include instances of sexual conduct involving minors under the age of seventeen within the definitions of certain sex offenses. The intent is to strengthen legal protections for children and ensure that perpetrators of sexual offenses against minors are held accountable under the law.

Key Provisions

  • Inclusion of Minors: The bill expands the definition of specific sex offenses to encompass sexual conduct against children less than seventeen years old.
  • Legal Accountability: By broadening the scope of these offenses, the bill seeks to enhance the legal framework for prosecuting individuals who engage in sexual conduct with minors.
  • Alignment with Existing Laws: This legislation is designed to align with other statutes that protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Affected Parties

  • Children Under Seventeen: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are minors, who will receive enhanced protections against sexual offenses.
  • Perpetrators of Sexual Offenses: Individuals who commit sexual offenses against minors will face stricter legal consequences under the revised definitions.
  • Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems: The bill will impact how law enforcement agencies and the judicial system handle cases involving sexual conduct against minors, potentially leading to more rigorous prosecution.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Codes Committee.
  • March 25, 2025: The bill was reported for the first time in the calendar.
  • March 26, 2025: Advanced to the second reading.
  • March 27, 2025: Advanced to the third reading.
  • April 09, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly, where it was referred to the Codes Committee.

Related Bills

  • S 7248 (prior-session)
  • S 406 (prior-session)
  • S 4046 (prior-session)
  • A 490 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 490 represents a significant step towards enhancing the legal protections for minors against sexual offenses. By explicitly including sexual conduct against children under seventeen in the definitions of certain sex crimes, the bill aims to ensure that offenders are prosecuted effectively, thereby promoting child safety and welfare. The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly after passing the Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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