PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · May 22, 2017
Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act of 2017
(Sec. 2) This bill makes it a federal crime, subject to certain jurisdictional requirements, to: (1) knowingly produce or cause to be produced a visual depiction of a minor engaged in any sexually explicit conduct; (2) knowingly transmit a live depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; (3) have a minor assist any other person in producing or transmitting a depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; and (4) as parent or legal guardian, knowingly permit a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct knowing that a visual depiction of such conduct will be produced or transmitted.
The bill removes the "purpose" requirement for certain offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children occurring outside of the United States or within its territories or possessions.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
No criminal charges related to transmitting a live visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct may be brought against an electronic communication service provider or remote computing service provider unless such provider has intentionally transmitted the visual depiction with actual knowledge of its content.
(Sec. 3) Subject to certain exceptions, a civil claim or criminal charge against an electronic communication service provider, a remote computing service provider, or domain name registrar arising from the response to a search warrant or other legal process under various federal laws relating to sexual exploitation and other abuse of children may not be brought in any federal or state court.
People & committees
Rep. Johnson, Mike [R-LA-4] · R–LA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 368 - 51 (Roll no. 284). (text: CR H4582-4583)
House roll call 284 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 368 - 51 (Roll no. 284).(text: CR H4582-4583)
House roll call 284 · Individual votesDEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 352, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 1.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1761.
The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on H.R. 1973 and H.R. 1761. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from May 26, 2017 through June 5, 2017.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 352. (consideration: CR H4582-4590)
Rule H. Res. 352 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 352 Reported to House. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on H.R. 1973 and H.R. 1761. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from May 26, 2017 through June 5, 2017.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 86.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 115-137.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 115-137.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1761 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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