Senator Saland’s Legislation to Strengthen Penalties Against Child Pornography Passes the Senate

Bill enacts the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that enacts the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act, which includes measures designed to protect children from the dangers posed by Internet predators, child pornography, and child sexual abuse (S.5226A).

While laws have been enacted to counter online crimes and child prostitution, additional provisions are needed to assist law enforcement to address these heinous acts. This comprehensive measure unanimously passed in the Senate and has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.

It is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 300,000 children sexually exploited annually through prostitution and pornography in the United States. According to researchers and law enforcement officials, this type of crime is increasing at an alarming rate. A disturbing consequence related to the Internet has been the enormous increase in the production, sale and dissemination of child pornography.

“Sexual abuse against children is despicable and unacceptable. With the dawn of the Internet and other technology, these crimes have increased and become more complex to prosecute. This bill makes changes to the law and gives law enforcement the tools to track down those who exploit and abuse innocent children. Enacting S.5226A -- the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Act -- will make significant progress in protecting our children and putting those vile perpetrators behind bars,” said Senator Saland

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