AL HB168

Raises the age threshold for child sexual abuse material offenses from under 17 to under 18 years old throughout Alabama criminal code sections 13A-12-190 through 13A-12-198.

Expands the definition of "child sexual abuse material" to include "virtually indistinguishable depictions" created by digital, computer-generated, or other artificial means, treating them the same as actual images for criminal purposes.

Establishes civil liability for individuals committing child sexual abuse material offenses, allowing victims to recover actual damages, court costs, attorney fees, and punitive damages upon proof of wantonness or malice.

Requires each local school board to develop and distribute written policies before the 2024-2025 school year prohibiting distribution of private images and child sexual abuse material, including artificially-generated pornographic images.

Repeals Section 13A-12-195 regarding commercial exploitation of obscene material and becomes effective October 1, 2024.