New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04853

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

Adds to the crime of public lewdness the electronic transmission of an image depicting exposed private or intimate parts without the consent of the recipient.

Summary

Bill S04853 aims to amend New York's penal law regarding the crime of public lewdness. It introduces a new provision that makes it a class B misdemeanor for a person to electronically transmit an image depicting their exposed private or intimate parts to one or more individuals in or around a public place without the consent of those individuals. This amendment seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding privacy and consent in the digital age, particularly in relation to unsolicited explicit images.

Impact

The bill will expand the definition of public lewdness under New York law to include the non-consensual electronic transmission of intimate images. This change will enhance legal protections for individuals against unsolicited explicit content, thereby reinforcing the importance of consent in both physical and digital interactions. The amendment will necessitate updates to law enforcement training and public awareness campaigns regarding the implications of this new provision.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S04853 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a contemporary issue of privacy and consent that resonates with many constituents. However, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of the new provision and its implications for free expression, which could lead to discussions in committee hearings and among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the balance between protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring freedom of expression. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may express concerns about potential overreach or misuse of the law, particularly regarding the definition of consent and the circumstances under which images are shared. These discussions may involve differing views on the implications for digital communication and personal privacy rights.

Companion Bills

NY A01093

Same As Adds to the crime of public lewdness the electronic transmission of an image depicting exposed private or intimate parts without the consent of the recipient.

Previously Filed As

NY A00319

Adds to the crime of public lewdness the electronic transmission of an image depicting exposed private or intimate parts without the consent of the recipient.

NY A01093

Adds to the crime of public lewdness the electronic transmission of an image depicting exposed private or intimate parts without the consent of the recipient.

NY H5598

Dissemination of Intimate Images Without Consent

NY S1400

Removal of Altered Sexual Depictions Posted Without Consent

NY SB288

Intimate Digital Depictions Criminal & Civil Actions

NY HB3766

Relating to claims for transmission of intimate images.

NY HB3694

Relating to the unlawful production or distribution of certain sexually explicit media and to the removal of certain intimate visual depictions published on online platforms without the consent of the person depicted; increasing criminal penalties.

NY A08815

Increases penalties for indecent exposure and public sexual activities occurring within public and association libraries.

NY HB1115

Private image; create criminal offense for creation, recording or alteration of without consent of depicted individual.

NY 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.