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Utah committee adopts substitute to allow civil suits over child sexual abuse material
Summary
A legislative committee adopted and favorably recommended third substitute HB149 to create a state civil cause of action for victims of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), with sponsors and supporters saying the change aligns state law with federal protections and offers victims remedies beyond criminal prosecutions.
Representative Peck brought the third substitute of HB149 to the committee, saying the bill fills a gap between Utah code and federal law to give victims a private civil remedy for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The sponsor cited state-level reporting: "in 2024, over 8,324 reports of CSAM in Utah were reported," and argued the law would let victims recover therapy costs and other remedies even when criminal prosecutions do not follow.
Trey Dellinger, a senior legal fellow with AFA Action, urged passage, calling CSAM "the worst of the worst material" and arguing the bill raises…
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