SB26 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Voyeurism, crime created, criminalize the taking of a video or photo depicting intimate areas of a person without that person's consent, privacy, penalties

Summary

SB 26 creates the crime of voyeurism by recording intimate body parts without consent, with two levels of penalties and rules for destruction of recordings to protect victims.

What This Bill Does

It criminalizes knowingly recording or attempting to record the intimate areas of another person without consent when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, in public or private places. It creates two offenses: first degree voyeurism (Class C felony, unless the offender is 18 or younger, in which case it's a Class A misdemeanor) and second degree voyeurism (Class A misdemeanor, unless the offender is 18 or younger, in which case it's a Class B misdemeanor). The statute of limitations starts at discovery of the photograph or film. It also allows destruction of the recording after conviction with 90 days' notice to the victim and protects the victim's right to possess copies; there is an exemption for corrections personnel for security or investigation purposes. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• People who record intimate areas without consent would be criminally charged under two degrees with penalties depending on age.
• People whose intimate areas are recorded gain protections, including potential destruction of the recording with notice and the right to retain copies.

Key Provisions

• Intimate areas include genitals, pubic area, buttocks, and female breasts.
• Photographs or films cover photos, motion pictures, video, digital images, or any recording or transmission of a person.
• Voyeurism in the first degree: knowingly recording intimate areas to arouse or gratify sexual desire without consent; Class C felony, or Class A misdemeanor if 18 or younger.
• Voyeurism in the second degree: knowingly recording intimate areas without consent; Class A misdemeanor, or Class B misdemeanor if 18 or younger.
• Statute of limitations begins at discovery of the image/film.
• Excludes viewing/recording by corrections or jail staff for security purposes or investigations.
• Court may order destruction of the recording after conviction with 90 days' notice; victim may retain possession.
• Effective date: 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

Voyeurism