Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1121

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to civil and criminal liability for the unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen protections for individuals depicted in intimate visual material by providing clear legal avenues for victims to seek damages. By setting a legal standard that requires consent for the disclosure of such materials, HB1121 seeks to deter potential violators and provide recourse for those harmed. The bill also explicitly addresses modern challenges posed by technology, especially concerning images altered or created by artificial intelligence, thus reflecting current trends in digital privacy concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1121 addresses issues surrounding the unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material. It establishes civil and criminal liabilities for individuals who disclose such material without the consent of the depicted person and with intent to cause harm. Specifically, it amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and adds provisions that extend liability to cases where intimate visual material is created or modified using artificial intelligence applications without the individual's consent. This represents a notable change in legal accountability in relation to privacy and the misuse of personal images.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance privacy protections, it may stir discussions about the implications for freedom of expression and the responsibilities of technology providers. Critics may argue about the challenges of enforcing such laws, particularly in relation to AI-generated content. Additionally, the bill indicates a shift towards more stringent accountability measures for individuals and entities involved in the creation and distribution of intimate visual material, which could lead to concerns over potential misuse of these provisions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 98. Liability For Trafficking Of Persons
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
    • Section: 16

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1896

Relating to civil and criminal liability for the unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.

TX HB2700

Relating to prosecution of certain criminal offenses prohibiting sexually explicit visual material involving children.

TX SB1257

Relating to the unlawful disclosure of an autopsy image or other visual depiction; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1936

Relating to electronic device filters for certain explicit material; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB3357

Relating to civil liability for obscenity.

TX HB22

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB36

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB2690

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB111

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

CA AB2355

Political Reform Act of 1974: political advertisements: artificial intelligence.

CA AB2373

Dissolution of marriage and legal separation: disclosure of assets and liabilities.

CA AB950

Political Reform Act of 1974: advertisements.

CA AB2229

Residential property insurance: disclosures.

HI HB2792

Relating To Invasive Species.

CA SB813

Franchise Tax Board: voluntary disclosure agreements.

CA AB1280

Fire hazard severity zones: disclosures.

CA AB925

Protective orders: confidential information regarding minors.