HB252 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip PettusRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Harassment, by distributing a private image, defined, penalties, Sec. 13A-11-8 am'd.

Summary

HB252 would make it a Class A misdemeanor to distribute sexually explicit private images of someone without consent to harass, adding a new crime to Alabama law alongside existing harassment rules.

What This Bill Does

It creates a new crime called harassment by distribution of a private image, punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, when someone distributes a sexually explicit private image of another person without consent to harass. It defines a private image as a photograph, video, or recording of sexual conduct, including manipulated images. It preserves the existing harassment laws as Class C misdemeanors (harassing communications). It also notes that the bill is exempt from local funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime, and states when the act becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who distribute sexually explicit private images without consent with the intent to degrade, harass, annoy, or alarm someone (would face a Class A misdemeanor).
• People depicted in private images (victims), who would gain protection from non-consensual distribution intended to harass.

Key Provisions

• Creates the crime of harassment by distribution of a private image, with intent to degrade, harass, annoy, or alarm another person.
• Defines a private image as a sexual image or recording (including manipulated images) regardless of recognizability.
• Provides a Class A misdemeanor penalty for harassment by distribution of a private image.
• Maintains existing harassment provisions (harassment and harassing communications) as Class C misdemeanors.
• Addresses local funding rules by stating the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one, and specifies the act becomes law after standard approval and governor signature.

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