South Carolina Subcommittee advances bill to criminalize revenge porn penalties

The South Carolina House Judiciary Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures, including a proposed bill aimed at addressing the issue of revenge pornography. The meeting highlighted the introduction of Bill H3058, which seeks to establish new criminal penalties for the unauthorized dissemination of intimate images without consent.

Chairman Moore presented the bill, which defines intimate images as any identifiable still or video images depicting exposed body parts or explicit conduct. The legislation aims to combat the growing problem of revenge pornography by imposing felony charges for violators, with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines reaching $5,000 for first offenses. Subsequent offenses could lead to even harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

A key aspect of the bill is its broad applicability, as it is not limited to minors but encompasses all individuals. The bill also includes provisions for separate charges if multiple images of the same person are involved and allows law enforcement to create intimate images during lawful investigations.

During the discussion, committee members raised concerns about the potential implications of the bill, particularly regarding its impact on teenagers and the nuances of consent. Representative Rose expressed worries about the unintended consequences of charging young individuals who may share images without malicious intent. He questioned whether a simple text message could lead to criminal charges and emphasized the need for clarity in the law to avoid penalizing immature behavior.

In response, Chairman Moore clarified that the bill targets intentional dissemination without consent, and that sharing an image without permission would indeed constitute a violation. He reassured members that the penalties for minors would be handled in family court, mitigating the risk of severe lifelong consequences.

The committee also discussed an amendment to the bill, which aims to differentiate between felony and misdemeanor charges based on intent. This amendment seeks to ensure that only those who act with harmful intent or for financial gain face the more severe penalties.

As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the importance of addressing revenge pornography while also ensuring that the legislation does not inadvertently harm young individuals. The committee plans to continue deliberations on the bill in future meetings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to protect victims while considering the complexities of modern technology and social interactions.