Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1329

Introduced
4/30/25  

Caption

In other offenses, further providing for the offense of invasion of privacy.

Impact

The proposed amendments elevate the classification of certain invasions of privacy, particularly those involving educators and minors, to felonies upon first or subsequent offenses. This change is significant as it addresses the exploitation of vulnerable populations and aims to deter individuals in positions of authority from abusing their roles. The legislation is expected to impact not only legal outcomes for offenders but also enhance the protective framework available to victims, potentially leading to significant shifts in legal precedents concerning digital privacy.

Summary

House Bill 1329 seeks to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the offense of invasion of privacy. This bill aims to strengthen legal provisions regarding the unauthorized distribution of images or videos, particularly in contexts where such transmissions are intended for sexual arousal or gratification. By expanding the definitions and scenarios under which invasion of privacy is categorically recognized, HB 1329 is positioned to offer greater protection to victims of privacy violations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1329 reflects a proactive approach to combating privacy violations in an increasingly digital world. Supporters of the bill, including various child protection advocates and educators, view it as an important step towards safeguarding innocent individuals, especially students. However, there are concerns from certain legal experts regarding the broader implications of such changes, particularly concerning the interpretation of consent and the potential for overreach in prosecuting what could be deemed non-malicious behavior.

Contention

Notable points of contention primarily focus on the balance between protecting individuals' privacy rights and ensuring that the law does not infringe upon free expression or the lawful use of personal images. Critics may argue that while the intent behind HB 1329 is commendable, the broad definitions and penalties could inadvertently criminalize individuals for actions that do not constitute true exploitation or harm. This debate reveals a tension between public safety, personal privacy, and rights in the digital age.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB323

In other offenses, further providing for the offense of invasion of privacy.

PA HB2503

In other offenses, further providing for the offense of invasion of privacy.

PA HB375

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unsolicited dissemination of intimate image.

PA HB1063

In sexual offenses, providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of artificially generated depiction; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

PA SB1213

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; and making editorial changes to replace references to the term "child pornography" with references to the term "child sexual abuse material."

PA SB1083

In minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children and for the offense of transmission of sexually explicit images by minor.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA SB1111

In sentencing, further providing for definitions and for sexual offenses and tier system.

PA SB527

In theft and related offenses, further providing for the offense of theft of mail.

PA SB600

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for sentence for murder, murder of unborn child and murder of law enforcement officer; in arson, criminal mischief and other property destruction, further providing for the offense of arson and related offenses; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.