TX
Texas House Bill HB5517

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5517

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

Caption

Relating to sexually explicit artificially generated images and videos.

Impact

The bill will strengthen the legal framework surrounding the protection against the unauthorized use of individuals' images, especially in explicit contexts. By instituting penalties for the unauthorized production and sharing of such images, it serves to enhance digital consent laws in Texas and responds to the growing issue of online exploitation and harassment. Importantly, this legislation could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues relating to privacy and consent in the digital age.

Summary

House Bill 5517 addresses the production and distribution of sexually explicit images and videos, specifically those generated through artificial intelligence. The bill aims to amend existing sections of the Texas Penal Code and Business & Commerce Code to establish the legality of such materials and the rights of individuals depicted within them. It prohibits the creation or dissemination of these materials without the consent of the person being depicted, thereby granting individuals better control over their digital likeness and address the concerns raised by the rise of deepfake technology.

Contention

Notable points of contention include how the bill defines 'artificially generated images' and the potential implications for social media platforms. The provision allowing users to bring action against platforms that fail to remove such content has raised questions about the responsibility and liability of these platforms. Critics may argue that this creates an excessive burden on social media services, while proponents assert that it is necessary to protect individual rights in an increasingly digital world. Moreover, there may be debates regarding the thresholds for consent and the implications for freedom of expression.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

  • Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
    • Section: 16
    • Section: 165
  • Chapter 43. Public Indecency
    • Section: 26
    • Section: 261
    • Section: 262

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2700

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

TX HB1896

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

TX SB1361

Relating to the unlawful production or distribution of sexually explicit videos using deep fake technology; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB417

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

TX HB1936

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

TX SB1044

Relating to criminal offenses for the creation or distribution of certain misleading images and videos; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1257

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

TX HB1181

Relating to the publication or distribution of sexual material harmful to minors on an Internet website; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB18

Relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

TX HB1717

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

TX HB2700

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

TX HB418

Relating to prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses prohibiting sexually explicit visual material involving children or other persons; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB207

Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses prohibiting sexually explicit visual material involving an anatomically correct doll, mannequin, or robot that has the features of a child.

TX SB441

Relating to criminal and civil liability related to sexually explicit media and artificial intimate visual material; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1121

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

TX HB581

Relating to the creation of artificial sexual material harmful to minors.