PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 436.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 8, 1997
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require anyone who, in interstate or foreign commerce in or through the World Wide Web, is engaged in the commercial distribution of material that is harmful to minors to restrict access to such materials by persons under 17 years of age. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of such requirement, as well as an affirmative defense. Directs the Attorney General, for the Internet web site of the Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission for its web site, to each make available on such web sites a definition of material that is harmful to minors.
People & committees
Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN] · R–IN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 436.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain without amendment. With written report No. 105-225.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain without amendment. With written report No. 105-225.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Commerce. Hearings held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12146-12154)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.1482 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.
Examine S.1482 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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