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Senate advances law extending criminal liability for threatening to release intimate images
Summary
Senate passed SB35, extending existing criminal provisions to cover threats to release intimate images (often called "revenge porn") and making the offense prosecutable; the sponsor and colleagues discussed intent and evidentiary standards before final passage, 27–0.
The Alabama Senate passed Senate Bill 35 on April 9, extending criminal liability to persons who threaten to publicly distribute intimate images or recordings of another person as a means of coercion or extortion. The measure passed by recorded vote, 27–0.
Sponsor Senator Allen described the bill as an update to a 2017 statute that already penalized threats to coerce conduct; SB35 makes explicit that threats to release photos, videos or other recordings of intimate conduct also qualify. Under the proposed change, the offense would be charged subject to grand jury presentation and the usual criminal process; prosecutors would need to show evidence sufficient to meet probable cause and a jury would need to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for conviction.
On the floor Senator Smitherman asked whether the bill required proof of intent, noting that accidental postings or inadvertent transmissions can occur when a user presses a button without the intent to distribute. Senator Allen said courts would apply established probable‑cause and evidentiary standards and emphasized that prosecutions require proof of criminal intent and statutory elements before conviction.
Senate Bill 35 passed with no recorded dissent and will go to the House or proceed through enrollment consistent with its procedural posture.
