Bill > S0136

This bill amends an existing law to expand protections against the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images, specifically adding provisions to cover images created by digital devices or without the consent of the person depicted. The law defines unauthorized dissemination as intentionally sharing, publishing, or selling a visual image of an identifiable person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or showing intimate body areas, when the image was made under circumstances where privacy was expected and without the depicted person's consent. The bill includes several exceptions, such as images taken in public settings, for educational or law enforcement purposes, or involving public figures. Penalties range from misdemeanor charges for a first offense (up to one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine) to felony charges for subsequent offenses (up to three years in prison and/or a $3,000 fine). The bill also criminalizes threats to disclose such images for personal gain, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Notably, violations would not require sex offender registration, and the law applies to actions that occur within the state. The bill aims to protect individuals from non-consensual sharing of intimate images, particularly in the digital age.

Justice

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