NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Lawmakers in New Jersey are trying to close a loophole left by a previous law designed to protect people’s rights to privacy.
In relationships, sometimes couples exchange intimate photos with one another. The previous law required explicit consent when taking those photos, but bill sponsor Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul says it didn’t meaningfully deal with distribution.
“There is a loophole with that statute, however, because we’ve seen where individuals will take those photos because they have the initial consent and then use them to distribute, whether it’s online or text them to someone else,” Peterpaul said.
This bill would also require consent for distribution, with fines of up to $30,000 for violations.
“You know, this is happening time and time again, and we need to ensure the privacy and safety of our citizens.”
The bill passed the assembly unanimously and now must pass the state Senate before being signed into law.