KS HB2594

Bill

Modifying the elements of the crime of blackmail related to threatened dissemination of any videotape, photograph, film or image of another identifiable person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity by removing the connection to breach of privacy and describing the content of the videotape, photograph, film or image.

Introduced
01/29/2026

In Committee
02/16/2026

Crossed Over
02/19/2026

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT concerning crimes, punishment and criminal procedure; relating to blackmail; modifying the elements related to threatened dissemination of any videotape, photograph, film or image, video or other recording of another identifiable person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity by removing changing the connection to breach of privacy and describing the content of the videotape, photograph, film or image, video or other recording; amending K.S.A. 21-5428 and repealing the existing section.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the definition of blackmail in Kansas law, specifically concerning threats to disseminate certain types of visual content. Previously, blackmail related to sharing images or recordings of individuals nude or engaged in sexual activity was tied to a violation of privacy laws. This bill removes that connection and broadens the scope to include any image, video, or other recording of an identifiable person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity, regardless of how it was obtained. Importantly, it also clarifies that this includes content that has been altered or created using artificial intelligence (AI) or digital means to appear as if it depicts such a person, even if the actual person was not involved in the original creation of the image. The bill also repeals the existing section of law it amends, indicating a complete replacement of the previous definition.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Judiciary (House)

Last Action

Senate Received and Introduced (on 02/24/2026)

Official Document

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2594/

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2594/
BillText	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2594_02_0000.pdf
House Floor Amendment (Committee of the Whole - Motion to Amend - Offered by Representative Barrett)	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fa_2026_hb2594_h_3802.pdf
Analysis - Supplemental Note: {As Amended by House Committee of the Whole}	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2594_02_0000.pdf
BillText	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2594_01_0000.pdf
House Committee on Judiciary Report	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/cr_2026_hb2594_h_3641.pdf
Analysis - Supplemental Note: As Amended by House Committee	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2594_01_0000.pdf
Fiscal Note - Ficsal Note: As introduced	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2594_00_0000.pdf
BillText	https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2594_00_0000.pdf

Bill > HB2594

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (0)

Other Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary