CT HB05161

Replaces the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" throughout Connecticut statutes, effective October 1, 2024.

Establishes three degrees of possession charges: first degree (50+ images or severe content) is a Class B felony with 5 years non-suspendable prison time; second degree (20-49 images) is a Class C felony with 2 years non-suspendable; third degree (fewer than 20 images) is a Class D felony with 1 year non-suspendable.

Maintains importing child sexual abuse material as a Class B felony requiring 5 years non-suspendable imprisonment for knowingly importing three or more visual depictions.

Provides affirmative defenses for possession of fewer than three images if the defendant did not knowingly obtain them, promptly destroyed them or reported to law enforcement, and for possession of nude images for bona fide artistic, medical, scientific, educational, religious, governmental, or judicial purposes.

Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for minors under 18 to possess or minors under 16 to transmit visual depictions that were knowingly and voluntarily transmitted by the subject via electronic communication devices.