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Bill

S 256

An act relating to voyeurism and disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Martine Gulick and 9 co-sponsors

The bill criminalizes unauthorized recording, viewing, or sharing intimate images without consent and strengthens penalties to deter voyeurism and non-consensual disclosure.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 256

Summary of Bill S 256 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • S 256 is an act relating to voyeurism and disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent.
  • The bill aims to address two related harms: (1) voyeurism (surreptitious observations of others in intimate settings) and (2) the non-consensual sharing or disclosure of sexually explicit images or videos.
  • By clarifying definitions, increasing accountability, and enhancing penalties or remedies, the bill seeks to deter offending behavior, protect privacy, and provide legal remedies for victims.

Key provisions and changes

Note: The specific text of the bill is not provided here, but typical elements in this policy area often include:
- Define terms:
- Voyeurism: conduct involving watching, recording, or otherwise observing an intimate or private activity without consent, likely in settings where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Sexually explicit images or videos: material depicting nudity or sexual activity intended to arouse or satisfy sexual desire.
- Without consent: lacking explicit permission from the depicted person or from a lawful guardian where applicable.
- Prohibited conduct:
- Unauthorized recording, viewing, or dissemination of intimate images or videos.
- Creating, possessing, or distributing devices or methods used to capture or share such material.
- Invasion of privacy in places like bathrooms, changing rooms, bedrooms, or other private areas.
- Criminal penalties:
- Classification of offenses (e.g., misdemeanor or felony) with associated penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or probation.
- Aggravating factors leading to enhanced penalties (e.g., use of a minor, repeated offenses, exploitation of a trusted position, distribution to a large audience, or coercion).
- Penalties for disclosure:
- Criminalizing the knowing or intentional disclosure of sexually explicit images without consent, including distribution via electronic means.
- Potentially creating a separate offense for “revenge porn” or non-consensual dissemination.
- Protections and remedies for victims:
- Availability of protective orders or restraining orders in cases involving threats or repeated violations.
- Victim notification rights and access to resources.
- Evidence and procedure:
- Guidelines for prosecutors, admissibility of digital evidence, and considerations for privacy and minor involvement.
- Thresholds for probable cause and standards of proof in cases involving electronic material.
- Defenses and exemptions:
- Possible defenses (e.g., consent, lawful authority, or lack of intent to commit the act) and limitations on defenses in certain aggravated cases.
- Administrative and enforcement provisions:
- Roles of law enforcement, district attorneys, and courts.
- Possible training requirements for police and prosecutors regarding privacy and digital evidence.
- Sunset or review provisions, if any, to reassess effectiveness after a period.

Who would be affected

  • Victims of voyeurism or non-consensual dissemination of sexual imagery, including individuals of any age where applicable (with specifics to Vermont law regarding minors and consent).
  • Suspects and individuals accused of voyeurism or non-consensual sharing.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and court systems responsible for investigating, charging, and adjudicating offenses.
  • Employers, schools, and technology platforms may encounter new reporting, record-keeping, or cooperation requirements related to such offenses.
  • The public, particularly in matters of privacy protection and potential deterrence of harmful conduct.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current action: Read 1st time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (as of 2026-01-15).
  • Next steps likely include:
    • Public hearings and committee deliberations to refine definitions, penalties, and remedies.
    • Potential amendments before a full chamber vote.
    • If advanced, passage by the Vermont Senate, then alignment with the House version and potential reconciliation.
  • Effective date: Not specified here; typically, if enacted, provisions become effective on a set date or upon passage, with transitional rules for ongoing cases.

Notes

  • The summary reflects typical legislative structure for voyeurism and non-consensual image disclosure statutes. For precise language, penalties, and specific exemptions, consult the bill’s text as reported by the Vermont Legislature and the Judiciary Committee’s analysis.

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

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