The bill S.256 seeks to enhance legal protections against voyeurism and the non-consensual disclosure of sexually explicit images by introducing new criminal offenses and extending the statute of limitations for related prosecutions. It criminalizes the act of threatening to disclose a visual image of an identifiable person who is nude or engaged in sexual conduct with the intent to coerce that person into producing similar images or engaging in sexual conduct. The bill also eliminates the statute of limitations for civil actions against individuals who disclose such images without consent, provided that the disclosure causes harm to the plaintiff, and allows for recovery of damages for trauma-related disorders resulting from such disclosures.

Additionally, S.256 amends existing definitions within the voyeurism statute, clarifying terms like "intimate areas" and "reasonable expectation of privacy," while establishing penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines. It outlines civil remedies for victims, such as the ability to seek injunctive relief and damages, and retroactively applies certain civil actions to violations occurring before July 1, 2026. The bill also sets a six-year statute of limitations for voyeurism-related offenses, allowing prosecutions to be initiated within six years after the offense or after the victim discovers the offending material. Overall, S.256 aims to strengthen legal recourse for victims and promote greater privacy protections.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-2605, 13-2606, 13-4501