Senate passes bill to make selling private photos or videos a felony

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, the Senate Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to strengthen the penalty against individuals who sell intimate photos or videos without their partners’ consent. Senate Bill 1462, by Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, creates a felony for individuals attempting to gain financial advantage or gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images.

“There have been situations in our state where an exspouse or former partner has sold intimate pictures or videos taken prior to their divorce or breakup without the consent of the other person. This is a disgusting misuse of intimate trust but it can also seriously damage people’s reputation and even get them in trouble at work or fired,” David said. “These unsuspecting victims deserve protection from this violation of their privacy.”

The newly created felony will be punishable by up to four years imprisonment and up to ten years imprisonment for second and subsequent convictions with a second conviction requiring registration as a sex offender. The state will not have the discretion to file a misdemeanor charge on anyone who commits the newly created felony. The provisions of the Sex Offenders Registration Act will apply to anyone who receives a second or subsequent conviction but will not apply to the individual while incarcerated in a medium or maximum security prison. 

SB 1462 now goes before the full Senate.