Bills
| 3.23.22

Increased Federal Oversight of Child Abuse, with Greater Criminal Penalties (H.R. 3627)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 3627?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

This bill was enacted on May 20, 2014

Named after Kilah Davenport, a North Carolina girl who was the victim of severe abuse in 2012 and died in March 2014, this bill would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a report detailing penalties for child abuse in each state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Additionally, this bill increases criminal penalties for those with two prior convictions of assault, sexual abuse, or serious violent felony against a partner or a child under their care. 

Argument in favor

Provides greater protections for children. Many child abuse laws in place at the state level are deficient. Child abusers deserve the harshest penalties Congress can provide.

Argument opposed

While child abuse is hideous, greater federal oversight thereof will not stop such acts from taking place, even if deficient laws are optimized.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would highlight deficient state laws relating to child abuse and provide states with the opportunity to fix those laws. The bill would also be likely to increase prison stays for convicted offenders, thereby increasing prison populations and the costs associated with housing inmates.

Cost of H.R. 3627

The CBO estimates that enticing the law would have no significant impact on the federal budget. Because those prosecuted and convicted under H.R. 3627 could be subject to criminal fines, the federal government might collect additional fines if the legislation is enacted.

Additional Info

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