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HB 2252

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 28 co-sponsors

Strengthens and clarifies penalties and definitions for unlawful non-consensual dissemination of intimate images in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2252

Summary of HB 2252 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Title

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify the statutory framework governing the unlawful dissemination of intimate images (often referred to as “revenge porn” or non-consensual sharing of intimate photos or videos) within Pennsylvania’s criminal code.
  • The bill intends to clarify, expand, or tighten penalties and definitions related to the offense to better deter and punish the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and to provide clearer legal standards for prosecution.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Revisions to Title 18, specifically the chapter on sexual offenses, related to unlawful dissemination of intimate images.
  • Likely enhancements to elements of the offense (e.g., what constitutes an “intimate image,” who is covered by the statute, and the manner or intent behind dissemination).
  • Possible adjustments to penalties, sentencing ranges, or enhancements for aggravating factors (e.g., distribution to minors, repeated offenses, or dissemination involving coercion or breach of trust).
  • Potential updates to procedural aspects such as definitions, victim protections, or reporting requirements to align with contemporary digital technology and evidence handling.
  • The bill’s language may address consent, ownership, purpose of dissemination, and the foreseeability of harm to the subject in determining guilt.

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided here. The description focuses on the typical scope of amendments to unlawful dissemination of intimate images and the bill’s placement within the sexual offenses portion of Title 18.

Who is affected

  • Individuals who disseminate intimate images without consent.
  • Victims of non-consensual dissemination, who may gain clearer protections and remedies under revised criminal provisions.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors, who would apply the updated elements and penalties.
  • Potentially institutions or service providers if the amendments include reporting, evidentiary, or cooperation requirements.
  • General public, through clarified definitions and enforcement standards intended to deter and sanction non-consensual sharing.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Introduced and circulated in the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Judiciary committee process.
  • Action history:
    • Referred to Judiciary (2026-02-26)
    • Reported as committed, first consideration, and laid on the table (2026-05-04)
  • The bill has a large slate of co-sponsors, indicating cross-party or bipartisan support and broad legislative interest.
  • As of the latest actions, the bill has progressed beyond referral and received first consideration, but has not been enacted into law in this summary.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Could strengthen deterrence and accountability for non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
  • May improve victim protection, legal clarity, and consistency in prosecuting offenses across jurisdictions.
  • If penalties are increased, considerations include proportionality, potential impact on defendants, and practicality of enforcement given digital evidence challenges.
  • Depending on final language, the bill could interact with related statutes on stalking, harassment, cybercrime, and privacy.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill’s specific text or labeled section numbers are available, and provide a point-by-point comparison with current law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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