New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07855

Introduced
4/11/25  
Refer
4/11/25  

Caption

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

Note

The bill's specific provisions relating to exceptions for law enforcement and legal proceedings help to carve out necessary boundaries that protect essential rights and duties while ensuring that the core intent of protecting privacy is maintained.

Impact

This legislation significantly impacts state laws by providing a more robust legal recourse for victims of non-consensual image sharing. The establishment of multiple degrees of unlawful dissemination means that the penalties can be proportionate to the severity of the crime. Furthermore, the bill also extends the statute of limitations for filing complaints related to such offenses, giving victims more time to seek justice. Thus, the introduction of these laws not only enhances the protection of individual rights but also serves to deter potential offenders from engaging in such unlawful activities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A07855 seeks to create new crimes related to the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images, establishing a legal framework that addresses issues of consent and the privacy of individuals depicted in such images. The bill defines several key terms and includes specific provisions related to the application and exceptions of these new laws. Notably, it repeals the previous statute on this matter while introducing clearly delineated degrees of offenses, ranging from third degree misdemeanors to first degree felonies depending on the circumstances of the violation.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen privacy protections, it may provoke discussions around free speech and the potential misuse of these laws in cases where dissemination could be claimed as legitimate, such as journalistic endeavors or other forms of public interest. Critics may argue that the definitions employed in the bill could lead to overreach and the stifling of legitimate communication. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the practicality of enforcement and the ability of law enforcement to liquidate the intentions behind specific cases of image dissemination.

Companion Bills

NY S07202

Same As Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

Previously Filed As

NY S07202

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

NY SB213

Revises provisions relating to the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. (BDR 15-776)

NY HB449

Crimes and offenses; crimes of unlawful use of DNA in the first, second, and third degree created, criminal penalties provided

NY S09435

Establishes the crime of package theft in the fourth, third, second and first degrees; designates such crimes as a class A misdemeanor, class E felony, class D felony, and class B felony, respectively; provides instances that are not a defense to such crimes; provides for certain defenses to such crimes.

NY S08455

Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.

NY A08920

Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.

NY S01450

Establishes the crimes of unlawful purchase of body armor in the first and second degree; establishes the crimes of unlawful sale of body armor in the first and second degree.

NY A11083

Establishes hate crimes against police officers; defines such crimes as committing murder in the first degree, aggravated murder, or murder in the second degree against a police officer and the victim is chosen because they are a police officer.

NY SB01440

An Act Concerning Unlawful Dissemination Of An Intimate Synthetically Created Image.

NY S09176

Imposes a penalty of $20,000 per violation for violations of certain provisions relating to unlawfully disseminated images or depictions of individuals; clarifies that the owner or a wholly owned subsidiary of the owner of a website that hosts or transmits such images or depictions shall be liable for such violations; removes certain language restricting such violations to instances where such images or depictions were made for the purposes of harassing or annoying the individual; makes related provisions.

Similar Bills

MI HB4047

Civil procedure: civil actions; cause of action for media that falsely depicts an individual engaging in sexual conduct; provide for. Creates new act.

IL SB1716

CRIM CD-NONCONSENSUAL DISSEM

TX HB242

Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of disseminating personally identifiable voter information.

NY S07202

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

NJ A1934

Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

MI HB4048

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; guidelines for dissemination of deep fake sexual images; enact. Amends sec. 17b, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.17b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4047'25

MS SB2075

Images or audio altered or created by digitization; criminalize dissemination of in certain circumstances.

MS SB2202

Images or audio altered or created by digitization; criminalize dissemination of in certain circumstances.