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Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

USA119th CongressS-1671| Senate 
| Updated: 5/8/2025
Mike Lee

Mike Lee

Republican Senator

Utah

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Interstate Obscenity Definition Act" aims to provide a clear and specific definition of "obscenity" within the Communications Act of 1934. This new definition applies to various visual depictions, including pictures, images, films, and videotapes. It establishes a three-pronged test for determining obscenity, aligning with established legal standards. Under the proposed definition, a visual depiction is considered obscene if, taken as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. Furthermore, it must depict actual or simulated sexual acts or lewd exhibition of genitals with the objective intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires, and, when considered in its entirety, lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value . The bill also amends existing law by removing the requirement of "intent to abuse, threaten, or harass" for certain provisions concerning obscene or harassing telephone calls.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5260
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4571
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act
May 8, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3297
Introduced in House
May 8, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 8, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5260
    Interstate Obscenity Definition Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4571
    Interstate Obscenity Definition Act


  • May 8, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3297
    Introduced in House


  • May 8, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 8, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3297: Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

USA119th CongressS-1671| Senate 
| Updated: 5/8/2025
The "Interstate Obscenity Definition Act" aims to provide a clear and specific definition of "obscenity" within the Communications Act of 1934. This new definition applies to various visual depictions, including pictures, images, films, and videotapes. It establishes a three-pronged test for determining obscenity, aligning with established legal standards. Under the proposed definition, a visual depiction is considered obscene if, taken as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. Furthermore, it must depict actual or simulated sexual acts or lewd exhibition of genitals with the objective intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires, and, when considered in its entirety, lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value . The bill also amends existing law by removing the requirement of "intent to abuse, threaten, or harass" for certain provisions concerning obscene or harassing telephone calls.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5260
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4571
Interstate Obscenity Definition Act
May 8, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3297
Introduced in House
May 8, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 8, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5260
    Interstate Obscenity Definition Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4571
    Interstate Obscenity Definition Act


  • May 8, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3297
    Introduced in House


  • May 8, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 8, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mike Lee

Mike Lee

Republican Senator

Utah

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3297: Interstate Obscenity Definition Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted