H.R. 7566 would increase the prison sentence for individuals convicted of child sex trafficking for offenses that occur within 1,000 feet of a school zone or a school-sponsored activity. Specifically, the bill would increase the minimum sentence from 15 years to up to 20 years for sex trafficking offenses effected through force or coercion or against children under the age of 14. It would also raise the minimum penalty from 10 years to up to 15 years for offenses committed without force or coercion against those between the ages of 14 and 18.
Under H.R. 7566, new offenders could face longer prison sentences. Using information from the Department of Justice (DOJ), CBO estimates that a few hundred defendants are convicted of sex trafficking annually but only a small number would meet the bill’s criteria for an enhanced sentence. In addition, CBO expects that any costs to the federal prison system or savings from reduced federal benefits paid to individuals resulting from longer sentences would not occur for several years. As a result, CBO estimates that the costs to DOJ to implement new policies and procedures in response to H.R. 7566 would be less than $500,000 over the 2022-2027 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
