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Bill

HR 6719

James T. Woods Act

119th Congress Introduced by Laura Gillen and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits threatening a minor, with penalties and enforcement tools to protect under-18s; defines threats, venues, and report protections.

Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6719

Summary of HR 6719 — "To prohibit threats to a minor, and for other purposes"

Overview

HR 6719 is a proposed House bill introduced on December 15, 2025. Its stated aim, based on the title, is to prohibit threatening a minor. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, indicating it is in the early stage of consideration.

  • Status: Introduced in the House
  • Introduced: December 15, 2025
  • Current action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary (same day as introduction)

Purpose and intent (as inferred from the title)

  • The primary objective appears to be to create a federal or ostensibly broader prohibition on threats directed at minors (persons under the age of 18).
  • The bill may seek to address safety concerns for children and to provide a legal remedy or enforcement mechanism when individuals threaten minors.

Key provisions (provisional, based on the bill’s stated purpose)

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided here. The following outlines the typical elements such a measure would include and is presented as a framework based on the title and usual structure of similar legislation.

  • Prohibition on threats to a minor: A ban on making certain threats directed at or affecting a minor, potentially including threats of violence, abduction, or other harm.
  • Definitions: Clarification of terms such as “threat,” “minor,” and the context or means of delivery (e.g., in person, by telephone, online, or other electronic communication).
  • Penalties and enforcement: Possible criminal or civil penalties for violations, which could include fines, imprisonment, or both, and designated enforcement mechanisms.
  • Venue and jurisdiction: Information about whether the bill would create federal jurisdiction or complement state laws.
  • Exemptions and defenses: Potential carve-outs or defenses (e.g., threats made in certain contexts such as reporting wrongdoing, research, or protected communications).
  • Protections for reporting: Provisions facilitating reporting to authorities and safeguarding individuals who report threats (to address retaliation or stigma concerns).

Who and what would be affected

  • Individuals threatened or threatening: The primary protected class would be minors, with the prohibitive actions applying to those who threaten them.
  • Potential offenders: Persons who would be subject to penalties under the bill if they engage in prohibited threatening conduct.
  • Law enforcement and judicial system: New or enhanced enforcement and adjudication processes related to the prohibition.
  • Institutions and platforms: Depending on the provision scope, there may be implications for schools, online platforms, or other entities that host communications involving threats to minors.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Next steps in Congress: After referral to the Judiciary Committee, the bill would typically undergo committee hearings, markups, and potential amendments before moving to the full House floor for consideration.
  • Sponsorship and voting timeline: Timeline depends on committee progression, floor scheduling, and broader legislative priorities.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Could improve safety for minors by providing a clear legal framework against threats.
  • May raise questions about definitions, due process, First Amendment considerations for speech, and how cross-jurisdictional issues are handled.
  • The interplay with existing state laws and federal statutes addressing threats, harassment, or stalking would be important to assess.

If you have access to the full text, I can provide a more precise, clause-by-clause summary highlighting exact definitions, penalties, and procedural provisions.

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

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