The bill amends K.S.A. 21-5428 to redefine the crime of blackmail, specifically focusing on the threatened dissemination of images, videos, or other recordings of identifiable individuals who are nude or engaged in sexual activity. The previous references to "videotape, photograph, film" have been replaced with broader terms, including "image, video or other recording." Additionally, the bill clarifies that blackmail can occur by threatening to disseminate such content, which may include images altered or modified by artificial intelligence or digital means, regardless of the individual's involvement in the original creation.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that blackmail involving public ridicule or degradation is classified as a severity level 7, nonperson felony, while blackmail related to the dissemination of sexual content is classified as a severity level 4, person felony. The act will take effect upon its publication in the Kansas register, and the existing section of K.S.A. 21-5428 will be repealed.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5428
As Amended by House Committee: 21-5428
{As Amended by House Committee of the Whole}: 21-5428
As Amended by Senate Committee: 21-5428