Bill to Combat Image-Based Sexual Abuse Clears State House Unanimously

Recently the state House unanimously approved legislation to expand penalties for the non consensual sharing of real or AI-generated intimate images. 

House Bill 2252 would combat the nonconsensual sharing of real or AI-generated intimate images by ensuring accountability regardless of the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim, expanding the definition of intent to include knowing or reckless distribution, and creating a tiered system of penalties based on the level of harm and intent.

Current law applies only when the perpetrator is a current or former intimate partner of the victim and acts with the intent to harass or annoy.

“Pennsylvania’s laws must keep pace with the realities of the digital age,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “When sexually explicit images are shared without consent, our current law leaves many victims without recourse because it applies only in limited circumstances. This bill is designed to provide a path to justice for people whose most private moments have been weaponized against them, whether the perpetrator is a former partner or a stranger on the internet,” said State Rep. Emily Kinkead, the measures prime sponsor.

The Bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.