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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 22, 1996
Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit specified activities relating to personal information about a child (defined as a person under age 16), including knowingly: (1) selling such information (by a list broker) without the written consent of a parent of that child; (2) using prison inmate labor for data processing of personal information about children; and (3) distributing or receiving any such information, knowing or having reason to believe that the information will be used to abuse or physically harm the child. Authorizes civil actions by children with respect to whom a violation of this Act occurs. Directs the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee as a part of the costs.
People & committees
Rep. Franks, Bob [R-NJ-7] · R–NJ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E880-881)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3508 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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