Bill · H.R. 3297· House(119-HR-3297)
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act
- Introduced
- 5/8/2025
- Last activity
- 5/8/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Mary Miller
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act aims to define the term "obscenity" within the Communications Act of 1934. It establishes specific criteria for what constitutes obscene visual depictions, including pictures, films, or graphic images. This definition focuses on content that appeals to prurient interests, depicts sexual acts with specific intent, and lacks serious value. The bill also includes technical amendments to ensure the law remains consistent. Additionally, it modifies the language regarding obscene or harassing telephone calls in certain communications.
Yes
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+2
The bill establishes stricter legal definitions that could increase the regulatory burden on digital content providers.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill updates the Communications Act, centralizing the legal standard for obscenity at the federal level.
The opposite
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-3
The removal of intent-to-harass language and the imposition of specific obscenity definitions may chill expressive content.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-3
The new obscenity definition and changes to harassment standards may result in legal ambiguity for free expression.
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
The new obscenity definitions may increase compliance and legal risks for media and digital platforms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Clearer Definitions for Visual Content: Under Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(A), the bill provides a specific three-part test to define obscenity. This includes content that appeals to prurient interests, depicts sexual acts with intent to arouse or gratify, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
-
Consistency in Legal Terms: Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(B) links the definitions of "sexual act" and "sexual contact" to existing definitions in the United States Code, which helps provide a standard meaning for the new definition.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Changes to Harassing Call Standards: Section 2, subsection (b) amends Section 223(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 by striking the phrase ", with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass another person".
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Freedom Of Speech-3
- 5/8/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 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.