Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HB2361

Introduced
1/7/26  
Refer
1/8/26  

Caption

Establishes provisions relating to altered sexual depictions

Impact

If enacted, HB2361 will significantly amend existing state laws related to privacy and representation, creating explicit penalties for the creation and distribution of nonconsensual altered images. The bill outlines that individuals can seek civil remedies for violations, including injunctive relief and monetary damages, which would enhance the legal recourse available to victims of such breaches. By making these representations subject to legal scrutiny, the bill also signals a robust approach to combating online abuse and protecting individual rights in the digital space.

Summary

House Bill 2361 establishes new legal frameworks specifically addressing altered sexual depictions. The bill mandates that any visual representations of identifiable persons, which are digitally or otherwise altered to portray them in sexual contexts without consent, are deemed illegal. Criminal activities categorized under this bill include generating, soliciting, or promoting such altered depictions. Violators may face a class C felony charge, emphasizing the serious legal repercussions that can arise from violations of this nature. The bill aims to provide protection against unauthorized use of identifiable individuals’ images, thereby promoting the right to consent regarding personal representation in digital media.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked a discourse around freedom of expression versus the right to individual privacy. Opponents question the potential overreach of the bill and its implications for artistic expression, arguing that it may inadvertently criminalize legitimate content creation. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the difficulties in proving consent and managing the enforcement of the provisions laid out in the bill. Thus, while it aims to fill a significant legal gap, there remains a contentious debate regarding its execution and broader implications on artistic and digital freedoms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SB411

Establishes provisions relating to the civil and criminal liability of disclosure of intimate digital depictions

MO HB722

Modifies provisions relating to sexually oriented businesses

MO SB764

Establishes provisions relating to adult cabaret performances, including the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance

MO SB256

Establishes provisions relating to alternative dispute resolution

MO SB295

Establishes provisions relating to adult cabaret including civil liability for adult cabarets and the offense of engaging in an adult cabaret performance

MO HB882

Modifies and establishes provisions relating to the sexual offender registry

MO SB483

Modifies provisions relating to providing explicit sexual material to a student

MO SB604

Creates the offense of disclosure of an intimate digital depiction

MO SB154

Modifies provisions relating to forensic examinations of victims of sexual offenses

MO SB223

Establishes provisions relating to student surveys

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.