Bill Overview
Title: Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill makes changes to the federal law prohibiting child sexual tourism. First, the bill revises the specific intent required for certain offenses involving interstate or foreign travel to engage in or facilitate illicit sexual conduct. Specifically, this bill requires the government to prove that an individual traveled (or facilitated travel) with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct (currently, with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct). Further, it specifies that the term intent is to be construed as any intention to engage in illicit sexual conduct at the time of the travel. Second, the bill establishes new criminal offenses for acts in furtherance of illicit sexual conduct by an officer, director, employee, or agent of an organization through his or her connection to or affiliation with the organization. A violation is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 30 years, or both. Finally, the bill specifies that the term sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense does not require interpersonal physical contact.
Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: Children globally at risk of sexual abuse, particularly due to tourism-related crimes
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill focuses on preventing child sex abuse, which affects children globally who are at risk from such crimes.
- By revising the law on child sexual tourism, it aims to protect children in countries where offenders may travel to commit such crimes.
- It affects those affiliated with organizations who may facilitate these crimes, increasing accountability and protecting potential child victims.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific segment of the population, namely those who are potentially involved in child sexual tourism, as well as organizations that may unwittingly facilitate such activities. Thus, the most affected individuals are offenders and children at risk.
- The policy will likely have no direct impact on the everyday life of an average US citizen who has no involvement in activities related to the target issue.
- The simulated interviews need to include individuals who might experience direct changes due to the policy, such as those in organizations operating in tourism-heavy areas and potentially impacted demographically, socially, or professionally.
- The policy's prevention aspect might lead to indirect benefits in terms of societal safety and well-being, impacting communities by reducing risks from potential offenders.
Simulated Interviews
Travel Agency Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy puts more responsibility on organizations like ours to ensure we're not facilitating illegal activities.
- It's a necessary step to protect children all over the world.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Non-profit Coordinator (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will help us provide stronger protections for children both here and abroad.
- It aligns well with our mission to combat child abuse.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Digital Marketer (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might not affect me directly, but it's good to see steps being taken to clamp down on this issue.
- Businesses might need better tools to ensure compliance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Legal Consultant (Austin, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy introduces a complex legal landscape for some of my clients in travel.
- It's important but will need proper implementation to avoid unintentional implications for businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe in the necessity of the policy to further strengthen our stance against child abuse globally.
- We have to be careful not to overburden legitimate businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
College Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student, I find the emphasis on reducing child sex abuses encouraging.
- It's inspiring and brings hope for safer communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Travel Blogger (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the potential for travel bloggers needing to highlight ethical tourism with the new policy.
- While it doesn't directly impact my work, it's meaningful for raising awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Parent and Community Volunteer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a significant policy for parents like me concerned about our kids, even when we travel.
- Knowing there are stronger global measures in place is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Tour Operator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this bill as part of ensuring our tours are ethically aware and responsible.
- It adds an additional layer of accountability that's advantageous for legitimate operators like us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired School Principal (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy strengthens the message that protecting children is paramount, even extending beyond our borders.
- As a retired educator, I appreciate any policy that encourages child safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $26000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $36000000)
Year 3: $27000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $37000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 10: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring adequate funding for enforcement and judicial processes related to new offenses.
- Balancing costs of implementation with long-term benefits in terms of reduced crime and improved child protection.
- Coordinating with international bodies and organizations to address global aspects of child sexual tourism.