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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress proposes renewed child exploitation enforcement plan, sets $70M-$90M funding for 2026-2028

Also known as: PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Child Tax Credit
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Student
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would renew and update the national plan for fighting online child exploitation, requiring a detailed strategy every 4 years.
  • The Justice Department would have to report more clearly on trends, new technologies, results, and what resources are needed across key agencies.
  • Internet Crimes Against Children task forces would be expanded to include Tribal and military partners and focus more on identifying and rescuing child victims.
  • The bill would set new funding levels for these efforts: $70M (2026), $80M (2027), and $90M (2028), including required support for training and tools.
  • It would give task forces some legal protection from lawsuits or charges over how they prioritize leads, unless there was intentional or reckless misconduct.
Criminal JusticeTechnologyConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 12, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Feb 12, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Around the start of federal FY2026 (typically Oct 2025) once funds are appropriated

FY2026 funding can begin for reauthorized ICAC grants (up to $70M authorized).

Local and regional child-exploitation units may be able to hire, buy forensic tools, and expand training sooner, which can speed up investigations and victim identification.

When DOJ awards grants under the updated rules

At least 20% of ICAC grant funds get directed to training, tools/technology, research, national training, and wellness training.

Investigators may get more up-to-date training and better software/hardware; wellness training may reduce burnout in units that regularly handle traumatic material.

During the first grant cycle following enactment

ICAC task forces are evaluated for effectiveness under the program.

Some task forces could be pushed to change practices, share data better, or improve training; weak performance could affect future grant support.

After the reporting change takes effect and providers update workflows

Providers’ CyberTipline reports include all supplemental data as part of the report submission.

Investigators may get fuller information upfront (like extra files or related details), which can reduce delays in identifying victims and suspects.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 1274
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 1R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.