Senate Commerce Leaders, SESTA Sponsors Reach Deal on Compromise Text

from the Internet Association. The compromise amendment, a substitute for the original bill, would clarify S-1693's intent amid criticism from several public interest and tech sector groups. The language makes clear “that all criminal charges are based on a violation of the federal human trafficking law so that there is a uniform standard,” the senators said in a news release. It also clarifies “the definition of 'participating in a venture' and [ensures] the standard for liability remains 'knowingly' for websites that are assisting, supporting, or facilitating sex trafficking.” It would also permit “state attorneys general to bring a civil action against those who violate the federal human trafficking law on behalf of a state’s residents in federal court,” the senators said. S-1693 lead sponsor Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio and three other sponsors -- Sens. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., John McCain, R-Ariz., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. -- also signed off on the amendment. IA now “supports” S-1693 following changes that “will grant victims the ability to secure the justice they deserve, allow internet platforms to continue their work combating human trafficking, and protect good actors in the ecosystem,” said CEO Michael Beckerman in a statement. IA General Counsel Abigail Slater criticized some elements of the original bill during a September Senate Commerce hearing (see 1709190065). Some other tech groups continued to oppose S-1693 at our deadline.