HOUSE BILL 238

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Brian F. Egolf, Jr.

AN ACT

RELATING TO CRIMINAL LAW; MAKING UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION OF SENSITIVE IMAGES A CRIME; PROVIDING PENALTIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Criminal Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION OF SENSITIVE IMAGES--PENALTIES.--

          A. Unauthorized distribution of sensitive images consists of distributing, publishing or otherwise making available by an electronic communications device or other means, sensitive images of a person, with or without information identifying that person, without that person's consent and with the intent to:

                (1) harass, humiliate or intimidate that person;

                (2) incite another to harass, humiliate or intimidate that person; 

                (3) cause that person to reasonably fear for that person's own or family members' safety;

                (4) cause that person to suffer unwanted physical contact or injury; and

                (5) cause that person to suffer substantial emotional distress.

          B. For the purpose of this section:

                (1) "electronic communication device" means a computer, an internet web site or page, a video recorder, a digital camera, a fax machine, a telephone, a cellular telephone, a pager or any other device that can produce an electronically generated image, message or signal; and

                (2) "sensitive images" means images, photographs, videos or other likenesses of an unclothed or partially clothed person that may reasonably be considered to be private, intimate or inappropriate for distribution or publication without that person's consent.

          C. Whoever commits unauthorized distribution of sensitive images is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the offender is guilty of a fourth degree felony."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2014.

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