Justice for Allie Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7715

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:09:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Justice for Allie Act" (H.R. 7715) aims to protect vulnerable adults from sexual exploitation by making it a federal crime to coerce them into sending intimate images or videos through online or mail-based means, with the intent to cause harm.

Key Provisions

• New Offense (18 U.S.C. § 2245A): It is illegal to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a "protected adult" to send or transmit an "intimate visual depiction" (such as explicit photos or videos, as defined in existing federal law) using the mail or any interstate or foreign commerce tool (e.g., internet or phone). This includes attempts to do so, done with the intent to harm the victim.
• Penalties:
• First offense: Fine, up to 1 year in prison, or both.
• Second or subsequent offense: Fine, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
• Definition of "Protected Adult": An individual aged 18 or older who cannot protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to specific conditions, including:
• Autism spectrum disorder.
• Intellectual developmental disorder or intellectual disability.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Down syndrome.
• Major neurocognitive disorder (e.g., severe cognitive impairment).
• Dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
• Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

These are defined using the latest editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), as adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Definition of "Harm": Includes physical, psychological, financial, or reputational damage to the victim.
• Clerical Update: Adds the new section to the table of contents for Chapter 109A of Title 18, U.S. Code (which covers sexual abuse offenses).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill adds a new standalone section to federal criminal law (Title 18, Chapter 109A), which previously focused on sexual abuse of minors and others but did not specifically address coercion of adults with disabilities to share intimate images.
• It expands protections beyond minors (covered in other sections like 18 U.S.C. § 2251) to include adults vulnerable due to mental or developmental conditions, filling a gap in federal statutes on "sextortion" or image-based exploitation targeting this group.
• Unlike some existing laws that require physical contact or distribution of images without consent, this targets the act of coercion to produce and transmit images, with a focus on intent to harm.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal law enforcement (e.g., FBI) will need to investigate and prosecute these cases, potentially increasing workload in cybercrime and exploitation units. Courts may see more federal cases involving online coercion.
• On Citizens: Provides stronger legal recourse for vulnerable adults (e.g., those with disabilities) who are victims of online grooming or blackmail, deterring such crimes. Potential offenders face new federal penalties, which could lead to more arrests and convictions in interstate cases.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the inclusion of "foreign commerce" could apply to cross-border online activities, allowing U.S. prosecution of crimes involving international platforms or perpetrators.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Protected Adults: Individuals 18+ with specified disabilities, who gain explicit federal safeguards against exploitation.
• Victims and Families: Those harmed by coercion, including support networks for people with autism, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.
• Law Enforcement and Prosecutors: Agencies like the DOJ and state attorneys general, who will enforce the law and coordinate on federal-state overlaps.
• Potential Offenders: Individuals engaging in online coercion, now subject to federal penalties.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations for disability rights (e.g., those supporting autism or Alzheimer's awareness) that may push for or benefit from expanded protections.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Strengthens federal jurisdiction over online crimes affecting vulnerable populations, potentially overlapping with state laws on harassment or revenge porn. Prosecutions will require proving the victim's "protected" status and intent to harm, which may involve medical evidence from DSM/ICD sources.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with First Amendment limits by targeting coercive conduct (not protected speech) and due process by defining terms clearly. It upholds equal protection principles by addressing exploitation of disabled adults, a group historically underserved by federal law.
• Political Implications: Named after "Allie" (likely referencing a real victim), it highlights bipartisan concern for disability rights and online safety, potentially influencing broader debates on cyber exploitation without major partisan divides. If enacted, it could set a precedent for federalizing protections for other at-risk adult groups.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Justice for Allie Act — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)