HB 497 Summary

• Creates new offense of "nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images" prohibiting knowing dissemination of nude or sexually explicit images of another person without consent and with intent to harm, applicable to persons 18 years or older.

• Establishes criminal penalties: third-degree misdemeanor for first offense, second-degree misdemeanor for second offense, and first-degree misdemeanor for third or subsequent offenses; excludes offenders under 18 if the person in image is not more than 5 years older.

• Permits civil lawsuits by victims seeking injunctions to prohibit further dissemination and compensatory or punitive damages, with presumption that harm resulted from the violation.

• Authorizes criminal forfeiture of profits, proceeds, and property acquired through the offense as well as interests in enterprises established or operated in violation of the offense.

• Protects crime victims from licensing discrimination, loss of educational financial assistance, and academic penalties at Ohio higher education institutions solely based on victim status under this offense.