Note: While this analysis highlights significant trends in proposed legislation, it's important to remember that most bills introduced at the state and federal levels do not become law. This report should be viewed as a temperature check—offering insight into the priorities, values, and direction of current policy discussions—rather than a definitive list of pending legal changes.
Across the United States, the 2025 legislative sessions are revealing lawmakers' strategies for preventing sexual abuse and addressing individuals at risk to cause sexual harm. A recent analysis of federal and state bills reveals policy momentum pulling in multiple directions. From trauma-informed reforms to expansion of the sex offender registry, here are the key trends shaping the legislative landscape—and what they could mean for the future of ATSA member's work.
1. School-Based Prevention
More states are working towards strengthening sexual abuse prevention in schools. Minnesota, Tennessee, and Washington are creating laws to teach students about consent, boundaries, and seeking help. Programs include staff training and community partnerships. This approach treats sexual abuse as a public health issue preventable through education. These bipartisan efforts focus on addressing root causes, aligning with ATSA's mission.
Forecast: Expect more states to mandate age-appropriate prevention curricula, especially as evidence mounts that early education reduces vulnerability and increases disclosure rates. While these programs have vastly different scopes, each offers a chance to influence outcomes.
Relevant Bills:
2. Technology-Facilitated Abuse Sparks Legislative Action
Federal bills like the PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act, the Protecting Our Children in an AI World Act, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act signal bipartisan urgency to address the use of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and online platforms in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This trend also addresses person-first language—replacing “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material”.
Forecast: Expect continued investment in cybercrime task forces, AI monitoring tools, and content moderation mandates. These efforts could also lead to new avenues for research funding, cross-sector partnerships, and investments in surveillance.
Relevant Bills:
3. Trauma-Informed and Victim-Centered Reforms on the Rise
Several bills propose reforms that prioritize the needs and experiences of survivors. These include expanding access to civil justice (e.g., eliminating statutes of limitations), ensuring housing protections for survivors, and requiring trauma-informed training for judges and school personnel.
Forecast: With the increasing influence of survivor advocacy and trauma science, expect more legislation aimed at removing systemic barriers to justice and embedding trauma-informed practices in courts, schools, and healthcare systems.
Relevant Bills:
4. Expansion of Punitive Policies and Registries Persists
Bills in Texas, Arkansas, and Florida introduce or expand life sentences, the death penalty, mandatory minimums, and public shaming measures like ID notations for individuals on sex offender registries.
Additionally, multiple states are seeking to expand registries to include grooming behaviors or widen residency restrictions—despite limited evidence that such policies improve community safety or reduce recidivism.
Forecast: The politics of punishment remain potent. Expect continued push-pull battles between evidence-informed reform and emotionally charged policy proposals.
Relevant Bills:
5. Civil Commitment and SVP Management Under Scrutiny
Several bills propose tightening control over sexually violent predator (SVP) populations—especially concerning housing and conditional release. States like Washington, Texas, and California are revisiting SVP laws, often in response to community opposition or high-profile incidents.
These proposals often prioritize indefinite confinement or extensive supervision, with limited regard for treatment progress or risk levels.
Forecast: Without strong, organized advocacy, legislative trends around SVPs may continue to prioritize containment over treatment and assessment.
Relevant Bills:
6. Mandatory Reporting Laws in Flux
Several states, including Montana and Tennessee, are revising or enforcing mandatory reporting laws—broadening who must report, clarifying reporting protocols, or increasing penalties for noncompliance.
Forecast: As more attention is paid to gaps in institutional response, mandatory reporting laws will likely be further clarified and expanded. ATSA members who are mandated reporters may see increased expectations—and potential legal consequences—for failing to act.
Relevant Bills:
