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HB 836

AN ACT relating to malicious distribution of images without consent.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samara Heavrin

HB 836 creates criminal penalties for nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, targeting revenge porn across all platforms and providing remedies for victims.

to Judiciary (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 836

Summary of HB 836 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

  • HB 836 is titled AN ACT relating to malicious distribution of images without consent. The bill aims to address and regulate the distribution of sexual or intimate images without the subject’s consent, commonly referred to as “revenge porn” or non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
  • The overarching goal is to deter the creation or dissemination of such images and to provide legal remedies for victims.

Key provisions and changes

  • Offense creation: The bill creates a criminal offense for the malicious distribution of images of a person without that person’s consent. This applies to images that depict a sexual act or the intimate parts of another person, shared or distributed without permission.
  • Consent threshold: The law targets distribution without consent, emphasizing that any sharing of such images by the subject or a third party without authorization is potentially punishable.
  • Penalties: HB 836 specifies penalties for violators. While the exact sanctioning structure (e.g., misdemeanor vs. felony levels, sentencing ranges, or enhanced penalties for certain circumstances) is not detailed in the available summary, the bill generally intends to impose criminal liability commensurate with the severity of non-consensual distribution.
  • Scope and limitations: The act clarifies that it covers distribution via any medium (including online platforms, social media, email, or other communications channels) and addresses both the act of distribution and, potentially, the intent or knowledge requirements of the offender.
  • Civil remedies (if included): Some bills of this nature either establish or align with existing civil remedies for victims (e.g., damages, injunctions). The provided information does not confirm whether HB 836 creates or modifies civil action pathways, but this may be an area of potential parallel relief.
  • Privacy and reporting: Provisions may require or encourage victims to report incidents to law enforcement and may outline procedures for investigation and charging, including timelines for filing charges.

Who is affected

  • Individuals who are depicted in non-consensual intimate images could be protected by criminal penalties under this act.
  • Offenders who knowingly or negligently distribute such images without consent could face criminal charges.
  • Online platforms, service providers, and communication channels could become part of the enforcement framework, including potential obligations related to handling or reporting non-consensual content.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: The bill would engage police investigations and potential prosecutions at specified offense levels, shaping case processing timelines and resource needs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the Kentucky House on March 3, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (H), then subsequently to the Judiciary Committee (H) on March 10, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, HB 836 would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Kentucky House of Representatives, followed by consideration by the Kentucky Senate and, if passed, signature by the governor or veto override processes.
  • Effective date: The summary does not specify an effective date. Typically, enacted laws include an effective date (e.g., upon enactment or a specified future date) which would be stated in the final version of the bill.

Impact considerations and open questions

  • The exact definitions: How the bill defines “images,” “intimate parts,” “sexual act,” and “consent” will influence which cases qualify.
  • Penalty structure: Details on degree of offenses, mandatory minimums or maximums, and any enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or for distribution involving certain platforms or victims (e.g., minors) will materially affect enforcement and deterrence.
  • Protections for legitimate uses: The bill may include exemptions (e.g., consented distribution, journalism, or medical contexts) to avoid chilling legitimate expression.
  • Victim support: The bill’s alignment with victim services, reporting mechanisms, and privacy protections for victims may shape its practical impact.

Note: This summary is based on the bill title, session, jurisdiction, and action history. For precise language, definitions, penalties, and exceptions, the full text of HB 836 and any fiscal notes or committee reports should be consulted.

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

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