Bill > HB1182

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, introduces new offenses related to digital sexual images, which are defined as computer-generated or modified images or videos created using artificial intelligence or editing tools that depict sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct, or the exhibition of certain body parts in a way that appears to depict a real individual. The bill establishes the crime of digital sexual image abuse for creating or possessing such an image without the consent of the depicted individual, with penalties escalating from a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense to a Class A misdemeanor and then a Level 6 felony for subsequent offenses. It also creates the offense of distributing a digital sexual image without consent, which is a Class A misdemeanor, escalating to a Level 6 felony for repeat offenders. Importantly, the bill outlines several exceptions, exempting distribution for criminal reporting or investigation, under court order, by news or entertainment media, by newspapers or news services publishing news online, and by cloud service providers, internet providers, or search engines that merely provide access to content not under their control and are not responsible for its creation or publication. The term "distribute" is defined within the context of this new section.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1182/details