Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2048

Introduced
1/16/24  
Introduced
1/16/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publishing, distribution, or posting of a visual depiction showing another person in a state of full or partial nudity or engaged in a sex act that has been altered to falsely depict another person, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2240.)

Impact

The bill amends Section 708.7 of Iowa law, which pertains to harassment. By explicitly including alterations to visual depictions—that may mislead the recognition of the depicted person—the bill strengthens the legal framework protecting individuals from non-consensual sharing of potentially damaging images. This is seen as a step forward in ensuring that the rights of individuals in the context of digital harassment are adequately upheld and that those who distribute such depictions can be penalized effectively.

Summary

House File 2048, introduced by Representative Hayes, aims to address the issue of harassment through the unauthorized dissemination of visual depictions that show individuals in states of nudity or engaged in sexual acts. The bill specifically targets cases where these images have been altered to falsely depict individuals without their consent. It is an expansion and clarification of existing laws against harassment, with a focus on protecting individuals from image-based abuse, particularly in an increasingly digital world where such incidents have become more prevalent.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HF2048 is its potential implications for free speech and expression. While advocates argue that the bill is essential for protecting individuals from harm and harassment, critics raise concerns about how it might stifle artistic expression or use of images in social media. The balance between protecting individuals from harassment while safeguarding freedom of expression might generate debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

IA HF2240

Similar To A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publishing, distribution, or posting of a visual depiction showing another person in a state of full or partial nudity or engaged in a sex act that has been altered to falsely depict another person, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HF 2048.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA HF201

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 849.)

IA SF35

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.

IA HF849

A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 201.)

IA HB2183

Modifying elements in the crimes of sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful transmission of a visual depiction of a child and breach of privacy to prohibit certain acts related to visual depictions in which the person depicted is indistinguishable from a real child, morphed from a real child's image or generated without any actual child involvement, provide an exception for cable services in the crime of breach of privacy and prohibit dissemination of certain items that appear to depict or purport to depict an identifiable person.

IA H5046

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

IA S0355

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

IA S0136

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

IA SSB3156

A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2400.)

IA HSB685

A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.

IA SB1506

Establishes criminal and civil liability for altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.