Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Legislation builds on Michigan’s unanimously passed state law, closing interstate enforcement gaps for online crimes targeting adults with disabilities
Washington, D.C. –Today, Representatives Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced the Justice for Allie Act, legislation to make it a federal crime to knowingly coerce, manipulate, or entice a vulnerable adult into sending intimate images with the intent to cause harm. The bill closes a major gap in federal law by addressing online sexual exploitation that crosses state lines.
The legislation is named for Allie Hayes, a Michigan woman with Down syndrome who was targeted by an online predator in 2017. Because Allie was over 18, her family discovered there was no clear legal pathway to hold the perpetrator accountable. Her parents, Dawn and Mark Hayes, have spent nearly a decade advocating to close that loophole at the state and federal levels. Their efforts led to Michigan’s unanimously passed Justice for Allie state law, written by State Representative Sharon MacDonell and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2023.
“Michigan led the way by passing Justice for Allie unanimously; now it’s time to extend those protections nationwide. The internet is everywhere—we cannot let online predators evade prosecution simply because their crimes cross state lines,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “The Justice for Allie Act establishes a clear federal standard to give families real protections and hold predators accountable.”
“Allie, a young woman in Michigan with Down syndrome, was targeted and manipulated by a predator into sending intimate images. She was exploited and victimized, yet because she was 18 there was no legal path to hold that predator accountable,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “As lawmakers, and as human beings, it is our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves. This bill ensures that what happened to Allie will not happen again to someone else’s child.”
“I won’t stop until I know EVERYONE with a disability is protected so they won’t experience what I did,” said Allie Hayes, who enthusiastically supports this legislation.
Stevens and Dingell’s Justice for Allie Act builds on the Michigan model, ensuring predators can no longer evade accountability simply by exploiting victims across state lines. The bill protects adults 18 and older with developmental, intellectual, neurological, or serious mental health conditions and defines harm to include physical, psychological, financial, or reputational damage.
“Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are constantly in danger on the internet. This legislation protects the people we love from online predators who knowingly take advantage of people with disabilities. These crimes often go unrecognized, unprosecuted, and unpunished. Worst of all, the abuser is often free to abuse again…and they do,” said the Hayes Family. “Our family saw firsthand the challenges of trying to convince law enforcement to take up these cases that are often difficult to win in court. This new legislation gives law enforcement a desperately needed tool to put these criminals behind bars and protect our loved ones online.”
“As the legislator behind Michigan’s ‘Justice for Allie’ law, I enthusiastically endorse Reps. Stevens’ and Dingell’s efforts,” said State Rep. Sharon MacDonnell, Michigan’s 56th District. “I also want to recognize Allie Hayes and her amazing family for their years of advocacy, first in Michigan and later at the federal level. Thanks to them, the internet will be a safer place for America’s vulnerable adults.”
“Allie is a deeply respected member of our community, and while her story hits close to home for us, it’s a reminder that this kind of exploitation can happen in any neighborhood. The Justice for Allie Act helps ensure that no one, here or anywhere in the country, can be exploited without consequences,” said Dawn Calnen, Executive Director of The Arc of Oakland County. “The Arc of Oakland County supports this legislation because every person deserves to be safe from online predators no matter their disability or where they live.”
“The Arc Michigan supports the Justice for Allie Act that closes a gap in federal law by making it a crime to exploit and coerce vulnerable adults into sending intimate images, ensuring predators can no longer evade accountability across state lines. Thank you for introducing this important bill,” said Sherri Boyd, Executive Director of The Arc Michigan.
“We fully support The Justice for Allie Act, which will be critical to ensuring the safety and protection of our community. Safety and wellbeing are foundational to living the most supported and/or independent life,” said Dr. Colleen Allen, President and CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “This legislation goes a long way to extending the protections set forth in our state law here in Michigan. We applaud Representative Stevens for her leadership in advancing this bill and her commitment to individuals living with autism and their families.”
“The Justice for Allie Act advances safety, self-determination, and community inclusion — which are core independent living values — by strengthening deterrence and accountability for online coercion and exploitation of individuals with disabilities, especially when the abuse crosses state lines,” said Kelly Winn, CEO of the Disability Network of Eastern Michigan.
“The Michigan legislature acted when vulnerable citizens needed protection. The Justice for Allie Act works, and Disability Rights Michigan supports passing this legislation at the federal level,” said Michelle Lindsay, Executive Director of Disability Rights Michigan. “We encourage Congress to send a message that exploitation of individuals with disabilities, across all state lines, is not tolerated.”
“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience the highest rate of victimization among disability groups. The internet and social media have expanded the opportunities for perpetrators to victimize people with I/DD. The Justice for Allie Act addresses a specific gap in the federal law by criminalizing the coercion of vulnerable adults to send intimate imagery,” said Sharon Milberger, ScD, Director of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University. “Michigan passed the Justice for Allie Act after the steadfast advocacy of Allie Hayes, a woman with Down syndrome who fell victim to this crime. The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute, Michigan’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, applauds Ms. Hayes for bravely sharing her personal story, leading to the Justice for Allie Act.”
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