House BillHR 1204Civil actions and liabilitySex offenses
Sue VOYEURS Act
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
5MIN
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Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it would give victims of non-consensual intimate image capture a powerful new way to seek justice and compensation. Currently, laws addressing this issue can be complex, varying by state, and victims often lack a clear path to hold offenders accountable in a civil court setting at the federal level. If this bill becomes law, it would empower individuals to take direct legal action against those who violate their privacy, potentially deterring such acts and providing a consistent federal standard for recourse.
Without this bill, victims would continue to rely on existing state laws or potentially more limited federal statutes, which might not offer the same comprehensive civil remedies, such as substantial damages or injunctive relief to remove images from circulation. It addresses a growing concern in the digital age where intimate images can be easily captured and widely distributed, offering a vital legal mechanism to protect personal privacy and combat exploitation.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a federal civil right of action for individuals whose intimate visual depictions are captured without their consent, particularly when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
This creates a direct legal path in federal court for victims to sue those who secretly record or broadcast their private images.
PROVISION 02
Allows victims to seek actual financial damages for their harm or liquidated damages of $150,000 for each intimate visual depiction captured, plus attorney's fees.
This provides clear financial compensation options for victims, potentially offering significant relief and deterrence.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes courts to issue equitable relief, such as temporary or permanent orders, to stop the display or disclosure of the unauthorized images.
This is crucial for preventing the further spread of intimate images and protecting victims' ongoing privacy.
PROVISION 04
Defines "intimate visual depiction" broadly to include naked or undergarment-clad private areas, display of bodily sexual fluids, or sexually explicit conduct, even in public if not voluntarily displayed or consented to.
This provision clarifies the scope of images protected by the bill, encompassing various forms of non-consensual recordings.
PROVISION 05
Specifies that the new civil action applies to conduct related to interstate or foreign commerce, or occurring within U.S. special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, to establish federal jurisdiction.
These jurisdictional clauses ensure that federal courts have the authority to hear these types of cases.
This bill matters because it would give victims of non-consensual intimate image capture a powerful new way to seek justice and compensation. Currently, laws addressing this issue can be complex, varying by state, and victims often lack a clear path to hold offenders accountable in a civil court setting at the federal level. If this bill becomes law, it would empower individuals to take direct legal action against those who violate their privacy, potentially deterring such acts and providing a consistent federal standard for recourse.
Without this bill, victims would continue to rely on existing state laws or potentially more limited federal statutes, which might not offer the same comprehensive civil remedies, such as substantial damages or injunctive relief to remove images from circulation. It addresses a growing concern in the digital age where intimate images can be easily captured and widely distributed, offering a vital legal mechanism to protect personal privacy and combat exploitation.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a federal civil right of action for individuals whose intimate visual depictions are captured without their consent, particularly when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
This creates a direct legal path in federal court for victims to sue those who secretly record or broadcast their private images.
high
Allows victims to seek actual financial damages for their harm or liquidated damages of $150,000 for each intimate visual depiction captured, plus attorney's fees.
This provides clear financial compensation options for victims, potentially offering significant relief and deterrence.
high
Authorizes courts to issue equitable relief, such as temporary or permanent orders, to stop the display or disclosure of the unauthorized images.
This is crucial for preventing the further spread of intimate images and protecting victims' ongoing privacy.
med
Defines "intimate visual depiction" broadly to include naked or undergarment-clad private areas, display of bodily sexual fluids, or sexually explicit conduct, even in public if not voluntarily displayed or consented to.
This provision clarifies the scope of images protected by the bill, encompassing various forms of non-consensual recordings.
med
Specifies that the new civil action applies to conduct related to interstate or foreign commerce, or occurring within U.S. special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, to establish federal jurisdiction.
These jurisdictional clauses ensure that federal courts have the authority to hear these types of cases.
actual damages or $150,000 for each intimate visual depiction captured
the person who captured the intimate visual depiction without consent
civil
cost of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs
the person who captured the intimate visual depiction without consent
civil
equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease display or disclosure of the visual depiction
the person who captured the intimate visual depiction without consent
GLOSSARY
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Civil right of action
The legal right for an individual to sue another person or entity in a civil court to enforce a right or seek compensation for harm.
Intimate visual depiction
A visual image that shows a person's naked or underwear-clad private body parts, the transfer of bodily sexual fluids, or sexually explicit actions, taken without their consent.
Reasonable expectation of privacy
A situation where a typical person would believe they could be private, such as disrobing without being recorded, or that their private areas would not be visible to the public.
Equitable relief
Court orders that require someone to do something or stop doing something, rather than paying money. Examples include injunctions to stop sharing images.
Liquidated damages
A specific, pre-determined amount of money that a court can award to an injured party, rather than having to prove the exact monetary value of the harm.
Interstate or foreign commerce
Activities involving trade, travel, or communication that cross state or international borders, which often provides the basis for federal legal authority.
