Bill > HB2012

This bill establishes a new civil right for individuals in Tennessee whose intimate images are shared without their consent, allowing them to sue the person who distributed the image. An "intimate image" is defined as a picture, video, or broadcast showing a person's private body parts or sexually explicit conduct. Consent to create such an image does not automatically mean consent to distribute it; valid consent must be in writing, signed knowingly and voluntarily, and describe the image being distributed. If an individual wins a civil lawsuit, they can recover damages including any profit the distributor made, their actual damages (including emotional distress), or a set amount of $150,000 in liquidated damages, plus punitive damages and legal costs. Courts can also order the distributor to stop sharing the image and may allow the victim to use a pseudonym to protect their privacy. However, this right to sue does not apply if the image was distributed in good faith to law enforcement for investigating unlawful activity or unwelcome conduct, as part of a legal proceeding, or in a way reasonably intended to help the individual depicted. Internet service providers are generally protected from liability for content shared by others, as long as they act in good faith to restrict access to such images. This new law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2012&ga=114