NJ A5250

Creates a third-degree crime for knowingly disclosing an intimate image or forged intimate image (deepfake) of a candidate for public office without their consent, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment, up to $15,000 fine, or both

Defines "forged intimate image" as any image generated or substantially modified using technology to falsely appear as a realistic intimate image, regardless of whether it's labeled as inauthentic

Allows victims who are candidates to bring civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorney's fees against the person who disclosed the image

Specifies that consent to being photographed does not imply consent to disclosure, and any consent to disclosure is strictly limited to the express purpose for which it was obtained

Convictions under this bill do not merge with existing invasion of privacy convictions under N.J.S.A.2C:14-9, allowing for separate penalties in election-related cases