HB515 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phil Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Crimes, publication of personal image prohibited, penalties

Summary

HB515 makes it illegal to record someone’s intimate image and then distribute it to cause serious emotional distress, with escalating penalties depending on the situation.

What This Bill Does

Creates a new crime: it is unlawful to photograph or record the intimate image of an identifiable person under private expectations and then distribute that image to cause serious emotional distress, with the depicted person required to suffer serious emotional distress. Defines 'intimate body part' as genitals and, for females, parts of the breasts below the top of the areola that are visible or not fully covered. Assigns penalties based on circumstances: first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; a second or subsequent offense against the same victim by the same offender is a Class C felony; and if the victim is a minor and the offender is over 18, the offense is a Class B felony. Notes that the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements in Amendment 621, meaning it would not need local government approval to become effective, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and the governor's signature.

Who It Affects

• Identifiable individuals who are photographed or recorded, whose intimate images are distributed; these individuals could suffer serious emotional distress and may be protected injuries under the new crime.
• People who record or distribute intimate images (potential offenders), who could face criminal charges ranging from Class A misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on the victim's age and whether the victim is the same person in a previous offense.

Key Provisions

• Creates a new crime prohibiting recording and later distributing the image of a person's intimate body parts under private expectations with the intent to cause serious emotional distress, where the depicted person suffers that distress.
• Defines intimate body parts as genitals and, for females, parts of the breasts below the top of the areola that are exposed or visible through revealing clothing.
• Establishes penalties: Class A misdemeanor for a first violation; Class C felony for a second or subsequent violation with the same victim and offender; Class B felony if the victim is a minor and the offender is over 18.
• If conduct overlaps with other laws, the law applies the more serious penalty.
• States the bill creates a new crime and is exempt from certain local-funding requirements of Amendment 621, meaning it does not require local government approval to take effect; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses