Russell Fry (R-SC)
Targeting Child Predators Act of 2025
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Targeting Child Predators Act of 2025" amends title 18 of the United States Code regarding administrative subpoenas. It establishes a certification process that allows Federal officials to impose nondisclosure requirements on subpoena recipients. These requirements prevent recipients from disclosing that a Federal official has sought access to specific information or records for a period of 180 days. The bill provides a mechanism for judicial review of these nondisclosure requirements. It also outlines specific conditions under which a Federal official may certify the need for such secrecy.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal authority to impose nondisclosure requirements on subpoena recipients via certification.
- Scored +3
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
The bill provides a legal framework for federal officials to issue secret subpoenas, enhancing investigative capabilities.
- Scored +3
Would children be better off under this?
The bill is titled to target child predators, implying a goal of enhancing child safety through investigation.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill facilitates secret administrative subpoenas, which can reduce overall government transparency.
- Scored -3
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The bill imposes mandatory nondisclosure requirements that can restrict information sharing for up to 180 days.
- Scored -2
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill increases the ability of federal officials to use nondisclosure requirements, which may limit transparency in investigations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Investigations and Safety: Federal officials can certify that nondisclosure is necessary to prevent endangering life or physical safety, flight from prosecution, destruction of evidence, or intimidation of witnesses (Section 2).
-
Legal Guidance for Recipients: Recipients of a subpoena are permitted to disclose information to an attorney to obtain legal advice or assistance regarding the request (Section 2).
-
Judicial Oversight: The bill provides a process for judicial review, allowing recipients to notify the Government or file a petition in court to review a nondisclosure requirement (Section 3).
-
Protections for Necessary Disclosures: Recipients may disclose information to those to whom disclosure is necessary to comply with the subpoena request (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Mandatory Nondisclosure: Recipients of certain subpoenas may be prohibited from disclosing to any person that a Federal official has sought or obtained access to information or records for 180 days (Section 2).
-
Restrictions on Disclosure: A recipient that discloses information to an attorney or other permitted persons must notify that person of the applicable nondisclosure requirement (Section 2).
-
Sealed Proceedings: To prevent unauthorized disclosure, courts may close hearings and keep petitions, filings, records, orders, certifications, and subpoenas under seal (Section 3).
-
Requirements for Government Application: If a recipient seeks judicial review, the Government must apply for an order prohibiting the disclosure of the existence or contents of the subpoena (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill imposes mandatory nondisclosure requirements that can restrict information sharing for up to 180 days. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill increases the ability of federal officials to use nondisclosure requirements, which may limit transparency in investigations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The bill provides a legal framework for federal officials to issue secret subpoenas, enhancing investigative capabilities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill's nondisclosure requirements could potentially decrease transparency regarding how personal information is sought by the government.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal authority to impose nondisclosure requirements on subpoena recipients via certification. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill creates a mechanism for judicial review of nondisclosure requirements, providing a check on administrative actions. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill facilitates secret administrative subpoenas, which can reduce overall government transparency.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill is titled to target child predators, implying a goal of enhancing child safety through investigation. Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners receiving subpoenas may be subject to mandatory nondisclosure and closed judicial proceedings.
- 5/21/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.