Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0613

Introduced
1/3/24  

Caption

An act relating to disclosure of a sexually explicit depiction without consent

Impact

The implications of H0613 on state laws are significant, as it establishes a clear legal framework around non-consensual creation and dissemination of sexually explicit materials. This legislation adds protections for individuals, allowing them to take recourse through civil action without needing to rely on criminal prosecution. Furthermore, the bill delineates specific terms of what constitutes consent, requiring explicit agreements that can be rescinded under certain circumstances, thereby enhancing the complexity and clarity of consent in digital contexts.

Summary

House Bill H0613 aims to introduce a private civil action for individuals whose sexually explicit images are created or disclosed without their consent. This bill addresses the growing concern regarding digital privacy, particularly with the rise of technology allowing for the easy creation and distribution of explicit materials. Under this bill, an individual who finds themselves depicted in unauthorized sexually explicit media can initiate legal action and seek damages against the responsible parties.

Contention

While supporters of H0613 view it as a necessary step towards protecting individual rights and privacy in the digital space, opponents may argue that the bill does not adequately consider the balance between protecting victims and potential overreach into free speech or journalistic practices. There may also be concerns regarding the practical enforcement of such provisions and whether the legal definitions within the bill are sufficiently robust to hold up under scrutiny in court.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H0744

An act relating to disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent

VT AB602

Depiction of individual using digital or electronic technology: sexually explicit material: cause of action.

VT SB564

Depiction of individual using digital or electronic technology: sexually explicit material: cause of action.

VT A08449

Prohibits accessing or distributing certain sexually explicit depictions of children; prohibits consent to such depictions by anyone under eighteen years of age; makes such crimes eligible for bail; includes certain crimes as sex offenses.

VT HB3694

Relating to the unlawful production or distribution of certain sexually explicit media and to the removal of certain intimate visual depictions published on online platforms without the consent of the person depicted; increasing criminal penalties.

VT SB1030

Sexually explicit performances; regulation

VT H1453

Sexually Explicit Material

VT SB1424

Establishes provisions relating to the civil and criminal liability of disclosure of intimate digital depictions

VT HB3562

DEFIANCE Act of 2025 Disrupt Explicit Forged Images And Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2025

VT SB411

Establishes provisions relating to the civil and criminal liability of disclosure of intimate digital depictions

Similar Bills

CA AB392

Pornographic internet websites: consent.

CA AB1501

Business regulations: sexually explicit material.

CA SB981

Sexually explicit digital images.

NJ A3377

Requires DOE to develop model policies for ensuring parental notification of sexually explicit content in curriculum; requires board of education to provide parental notification of sexually explicit content in curriculum.

NJ A708

Requires DOE to develop model policies for ensuring parental notification of sexually explicit content in curriculum; requires board of education to provide parental notification of sexually explicit content in curriculum.

SC H3471

Sexual exploitation of minors, morphed child pornography

CA SB564

Depiction of individual using digital or electronic technology: sexually explicit material: cause of action.

SC H3043

Sexual exploitation of minors, morphed child pornography