This bill amends K.S.A. 21-5428 to redefine the crime of blackmail, specifically focusing on the threatened dissemination of certain visual media. The bill removes the previous requirement that such media be obtained in violation of specific privacy laws and instead broadens the definition to include any videotape, photograph, film, or image of an identifiable person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity. This includes images that may have been altered or created using artificial intelligence or digital means, regardless of the original creator's involvement.

Additionally, the bill establishes two classifications of blackmail based on the nature of the threat: threatening to communicate damaging accusations is classified as a severity level 7, nonperson felony, while threatening to disseminate the specified visual media is classified as a severity level 4, person felony. The existing section of K.S.A. 21-5428 is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5428