Senate committee approves bill to bar commercial use of unclothed likeness without consent

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday advanced Senate Bill 7, a measure sponsored by Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe that would make it unlawful to use an individual’s unclothed likeness for commercial purposes without explicit consent.

Bledsoe, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee, “This is a legislation to safeguard individuals from the unauthorized commercial use of their unclothed likeness,” and described the proposal as a “right of publicity act” addressing privacy and dignity in an era of digital manipulation and AI. She said the bill “extends protections to both living and deceased individuals” and expressly carves out exemptions for “artistic works such as literature, theater, musicals, films,” and certain news and entertainment promotional uses.

The bill would allow affected individuals — and in some cases their estates — to seek financial damages for violations. Bledsoe told the panel she plans a floor amendment to address concerns raised by broadband and internet providers.

Committee questions focused on the bill’s 10-year postmortem duration for deceased individuals. Senator Thomas said he supported the bill but asked: “why it just has a 10 year lifespan?” Thomas referenced continued commercial profitability of long-deceased celebrities and questioned why the statutory protection should expire. Bledsoe said the 10-year term was modeled in part on California protections and described it as “somewhat arbitrational,” and said she was willing to work with colleagues on the duration.

After brief discussion the committee moved the measure. At roll call the committee recorded eight affirmative votes and no negatives; the clerk announced the bill “will be reported with favorable expression to the floor.”

Senate Bill 7 will next go to the full Senate for consideration; the sponsor indicated she expects to offer a floor amendment addressing industry concerns before that stage.