West VirginiaHB 48422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to civil remedies for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images.

Sponsored By: James Robert "JB" Akers II (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§55-20-3

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Right to sue over leaked intimate images

Beginning June 12, 2026, you can sue if someone shares or threatens to share your private intimate image without your consent. This applies when you are identifiable, the image was private, and the person knew or recklessly ignored your lack of consent. Saying yes to make the image or sharing it before does not, by itself, mean you agreed to this new sharing. You still have a privacy right even if the image was taken in public, when you did not consent to the sexual act or exposure. Victims of sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion are covered.

Each liable defendant can owe full amount

Beginning June 12, 2026, when more than one person is liable, each can be made to pay the full judgment. Anyone who pays can later seek money back from the other liable people.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

James Robert "JB" Akers II
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Dana Ferrell
Republican • House
Flanigan
Affiliation unavailable
Joe Funkhouser
Republican • House
Laura Kimble
Republican • House
Andy Shamblin
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 226 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 674)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 494)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/24/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 174)