Texas House Bill HB1121

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

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