Missouri Senate Bill SB1117

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/26
• Refer: 1/15/26

Caption

SB 1117

Impact

The bill adds sections to the existing laws regarding civil and criminal liability, detailing specific actions that constitute a violation, such as disclosing intimate digital depictions without consent. Offenses can range from class E felonies to class C felonies depending on the circumstances and the age of the depicted individual. Individuals under eighteen or those who lack the mental capacity are granted additional protections, allowing them to pursue civil action through a legal guardian. The introduction of monetary damages for unauthorized use also aims to provide a deterrent against such disclosures and hold violators accountable.

Summary

Senate Bill 1117, also known as 'The Taylor Swift Act', establishes new provisions regarding the civil and criminal liabilities associated with the disclosure of intimate digital depictions. The bill aims to legislate protections for individuals against the unauthorized disclosure of their digital images that depict sexual conduct or intimate parts, which has emerged as a significant issue in the digital age. The legislation explicitly defines terms such as 'depicted individual', 'digital depiction', and 'intimate digital depiction' to set clear boundaries and legal standards for consent in the context of digital imagery.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, the bill has been points of contention regarding the definitions of consent and the scope of protections it offers. Critics may argue that the complexities surrounding consent could lead to legal ambiguities and challenges in enforcement, particularly concerning how individuals might give or withdraw consent for the use of their digital images. Moreover, concerns about privacy rights versus freedom of expression may arise, as the bill navigates between protecting individuals and the potential implications for content creators and distributors in the digital realm.