SOUTH CAROLINA REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE
S
TATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT
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This fiscal impact statement is produced in compliance with the South Carolina Code of Laws and House and Senate rules. The focus of
the analysis is on governmental expenditure and revenue impacts and may not provide a comprehensive summary of the legislation.
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H. 3049
Fiscal Impact Summary
This bill creates the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images
Act, which defines relevant terms and provides for a civil course of action against a person who
intentionally discloses or threatens to disclose intimate images of a person without that person’s
consent.
Judicial reports that implementation of the bill may result in an increase in circuit court
caseloads, which can be managed using existing staff and appropriations. Therefore, the bill will
result in no expenditure impact for Judicial. However, if this bill results in a significant increase
in caseloads, Judicial may request an increase in General Fund appropriations.
Explanation of Fiscal Impact
Introduced on January 14, 2025
State Expenditure
This bill creates the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images
Act, which defines relevant terms and provides for a civil course of action against a person who
intentionally discloses or threatens to disclose intimate images of another without his consent.
The bill also provides exceptions for liability under certain circumstances. A plaintiff may file a
motion to seal with the initial pleading or any other motion to protect his identity. Prevailing
plaintiffs may recover (1) the greater of economic and noneconomic damages proximately
caused by the disclosure or threatened disclosure (including damages for emotional distress) or
statutory damages not to exceed $10,000 against each defendant found liable; (2) an amount
equal to any monetary gain made by the defendant by the disclosure of the intimate image; (3)
punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs; and (4) additional relief, including injunctive relief.
The bill also establishes the time frames within which such actions may be brought.
Judicial reports that implementation of the bill may result in an increase in circuit court
caseloads, which can be managed using existing staff and appropriations. Therefore, the bill will
result in no expenditure impact for Judicial. However, if this bill results in a significant increase
in caseloads, Judicial may request an increase in General Fund appropriations.
Bill Number: H. 3049 Introduced on Januar
y 14, 2025
Subject: Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images
Act
Requestor: House Judiciary
RFA Analyst(s): Gardner
Impact Date: March 27, 2025
__________________________________
Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director
DISCLAIMER: THIS FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT REPRESENTS THE OPINION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE
AGENCY OFFICIAL WHO APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS DOCUMENT. IT IS PROVIDED AS INFORMATION TO
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN EXPRESSION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
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H. 3049
State Revenue
N/A
Local Expenditure
N/A
Local Revenue
N/A