HB 96 (136th GA, 2025), R.C. 2917.211 and 2307.66: crimes and civil action for creating or disseminating fabricated sexual images without consent

Summary

Ohio's 2025 operating budget amended R.C. 2917.211 to add offenses for 'fabricated sexual images': a created, adapted or modified image in which a recognizable person is shown nude or engaged in a sexual act. Knowingly disseminating a fabricated sexual image of another person without consent is nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images, and creating one with intent to distribute, or soliciting its creation, is nonconsensual creation of fabricated sexual images. Each is a fourth-degree felony, rising to a third-degree felony for offenders with a prior conviction under the section or for a sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offense. Exceptions cover criminal investigations, reporting unlawful conduct, news, commentary and artistic works, law enforcement duties, medical treatment and other lawful public purposes. R.C. 2307.66 gives victims a civil action, with harm presumed, to be brought within four years of discovering the image. The provisions began as Rep. Demetriou's 'Innocence Act', added to the House version of the budget, which also included online age-verification requirements.

Key dates

1. June 30, 2025Enacted
2. September 30, 2025Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. (C) No person shall knowingly disseminate a fabricated sexual image of another person without the other person's consent.

   Supports: Dissemination offense

   whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of nonconsensual dissemination of fabricated sexual images, a felony of the fourth degree.

   Supports: Penalty

   Effective: September 30, 2025 Latest Legislation: House Bill 96 – 136th General Assembly

   Supports: Effective date and enacting act

   Section 2917.211, Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Laws) Primary source

2. "Fabricated sexual image" means a created, adapted, or modified image that depicts another person, the other person is recognizable in the image by the other person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic

   Supports: Definition; civil action

   Section 2307.66, Civil action for nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Laws) Primary source

3. 6-30-2025 Signed By The Governor

   Supports: Signing date

   House Bill 96 Status, 136th General Assembly Ohio Legislature Primary source

4. ensure that the distribution of nonconsensual deepfake pornography doesn't go unpunished.

   Supports: Origin of the provision in HB 96

   Rep. Demetriou Champions Innocence Act in House Budget Plan Ohio House of Representatives Primary source