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Bill

HB 2299

Relating to the unlawful dissemination of intimate images.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Andersen and 26 co-sponsors

Oregon criminalizes nonconsensual distribution of intimate images effective January 2026, establishing penalties for "revenge porn" while creating exceptions for journalism and law enforcement.

Chapter 116, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 2299

Legislative bill overview

HB 2299 establishes criminal penalties for the unlawful dissemination of intimate images without consent in Oregon. The bill creates a new crime category addressing "nonconsensual pornography" or "revenge porn," making it illegal to distribute sexually explicit images or videos of individuals without their permission, with exceptions for legitimate purposes like journalism or law enforcement.

Why is this important

Nonconsensual intimate image sharing causes documented psychological harm to victims and is increasingly used as a tool for harassment, coercion, and abuse. This law provides Oregon residents with legal recourse and establishes clear criminal consequences for perpetrators, filling a gap in existing privacy protections and joining 49 other states in criminalizing the practice.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment balance: Defining boundaries between criminal behavior and protected speech (news reporting, satire, artistic expression) requires careful interpretation to avoid chilling legitimate expression
  • Enforcement challenges: Difficulty identifying perpetrators in digital environments, particularly with anonymous platforms and cross-border sharing, may limit practical effectiveness
  • Definitional scope: Questions about what constitutes "intimate images," whether screenshots or partial images are covered, and how to handle consensually created images shared without authorization
  • Victim privacy concerns: Criminal proceedings may require victims to provide evidence involving their own intimate images, potentially causing re-traumatization

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

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