This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance civil remedies for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images. It clarifies that the provisions apply to cases of sexual extortion and establishes that individuals who violate these provisions can be held jointly and severally liable. The bill also reinforces that a depicted individual retains a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding intimate images, even if those images were created in public, and that prior consent to the creation or previous disclosure of the image does not imply consent for future disclosures.

Specifically, the bill introduces new language stating that the article applies to any person who violates the sexual extortion laws and establishes joint and several liability for individuals found liable under this article. This legislative change aims to provide clearer legal recourse for victims of unauthorized image disclosures and to strengthen protections against sexual extortion.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-20-3