The bill amends Section 11-64-3 of the General Laws regarding "Electronic Imaging Devices" to establish the crime of unauthorized dissemination of indecent material. It criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted. The bill specifies that such dissemination occurs when a person intentionally publishes or sells images depicting another person engaged in sexually explicit conduct or showing their intimate areas, particularly if these images were created without the individual's consent or under circumstances where privacy was expected.

The bill outlines various exceptions to this rule, including images voluntarily exposed in public settings and dissemination for public interest or lawful proceedings. It introduces penalties for violations, categorizing a first offense as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000, while subsequent offenses are classified as felonies with harsher penalties. It also addresses threats to disclose such images for personal gain, making it a felony with potential imprisonment of up to five years and fines up to $5,000. Importantly, individuals convicted under this section will not be subject to sex offender registration requirements. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
136: 11-64-3