Bill
S 7202
Creates three criminal degrees for unlawfully sharing intimate images without consent, repealing the old law and allowing charges against those who share.
Overview
- S.7202 establishes criminal offenses for the unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images, creating first-, second-, and third-degree crimes. The bill also repeals a related existing statute.
- The measure targets the non-consensual sharing of intimate imagery and sets distinct degrees likely tied to the severity or circumstances of the conduct. The specific elements and penalties for each degree are defined in the bill text (not provided here).
What the bill would do
- Create three offenses coded as unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first degree, second degree, and third degree.
- Repeal the existing statute governing unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images (i.e., a repealer of the prior law or provisions).
Potential impacts
- Victims: Individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent would have a criminal remedy available against the disseminator.
- Perpetrators: Individuals who share or publish intimate images without consent would face criminal charges corresponding to the degree of the offense.
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: New offenses would guide case charging, evidence gathering, and prosecution strategies.
- Platforms and service providers: Depending on the bill’s definitions, electronic platforms or intermediaries may encounter new reporting, preservation, or collaboration requirements to support investigations.
- Civil considerations: The bill creates criminal penalties; it does not preclude existing or separate civil remedies for harmed individuals, unless otherwise stated in the text.
Key provisions (as implied by the bill’s title)
- Three distinct criminal degrees for unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images, distinguished by elements or penalties (first degree being the most serious, with second and third progressively less so).
- A repealer of the current related statute(s) governing this conduct.
- The exact elements, defenses, and penalties would be specified in the enacted text of each degree.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Introduced: April 3, 2025.
- Amendments: S7202A amended on Third Reading on June 9, 2025.
- Senate action: Passed the Senate on June 12, 2025.
- Assembly action: Delivered to the Assembly and referred to Codes on June 12, 2025.
- Status: As of the current record, referred to Codes in the Assembly; companion bill exists (A.7855).
Sponsors
- Primary sponsor: Michelle Hinchey.
- Co-sponsors include: Robert Jackson, Christopher Ryan, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Stephen T. Chan, Dean Murray, Andrew Gounardes, Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Steve Rhoads, among others.
Related legislation
- Companion bill: A 7855 (listed as a companion in multiple entries).
Notes
- Specific definitions, elements, criminal penalties, sentencing ranges, and any affirmative defenses are contained in the bill’s full text (not provided here). For a precise understanding of what constitutes each degree and the exact procedural steps, refer to the enacted text and committee memos.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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