PROTECT Act of 2023

This bill, the PROTECT Act of 2023, changes sentencing rules for people convicted of child pornography offenses. It requires courts to impose a minimum sentence based on facts proven beyond a reasonable doubt during trial or admitted by the defendant, rather than relying on facts found by the judge alone. The bill specifically applies to violations of sections covering child pornography production, distribution, and possession under federal law. It ensures sentences cannot fall below the minimums determined by these proven facts or existing statutory minimums.