A bill that aims to raise the mandatory minimum years of imprisonment for engaging in the trafficking of any persons under the age of 18 has been introduced by Congressman James Moylan along with co-lead Congressman Don Davis, Congressman Buddy Carter, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, Congressman Don Bacon and Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen.

The C.H.I.L.D Act of 2023 would make the sentence for traffickers exploiting victims under the age of 18 the same regardless of their age also it would increase the minimum sentence to 25 years for those who are convicted of child trafficking. According to the sponsors of the bill, this will convey the serious nature of their crime and ensure that traffickers know they will be punished if they continue to exploit minors.

Current law states that if convicted of trafficking a victim under the age of 14, there is a minimum of 15 years imprisonment. If convicted of trafficking a victim between 14 and 17 the minimum sentence is 10 years imprisonment.

By enacting more stringent penalties, this bill aims to bring justice for the victims and families affected by child trafficking and issues a strong statement to traffickers, who leave a lifetime of scars on innocent children.

Moylan stated, "My message is clear, sex trafficking is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated. Current laws are too soft on these criminals."