Bill > SB254

This bill creates a new criminal offense in West Virginia that specifically targets digital manipulation of sexually explicit content involving minors. The law would make it a felony for any person to modify an existing sexually explicit media (such as a photograph, video, or recording) by digitally inserting an image of an actual minor, thereby making it appear that the minor is engaged in sexually explicit conduct. An "actual minor" is defined as a living or deceased person whose image was taken when they were under 18 years old and subsequently inserted into sexually explicit content. If convicted, the offender would face significant legal consequences, including a potential fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a period of one to five years. The bill emphasizes that this offense is separate from other existing criminal statutes, suggesting it is designed to address a specific and emerging form of digital exploitation. The legislation aims to protect minors from being digitally manipulated into sexually explicit content without their consent, even after their actual image has been captured.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=254&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill