The bill, H.105, addresses a growing phenomenon of so-called "revenge porn" in which intimate images are shared with others or on a website in an attempt to either punish the victim or make a profit.
"These tactics endanger, degrade and humiliate victims," said Rep. Barbara Rachelson, D-Burlington, a sponsor of the bill. "It guarantees reputational harm and may affect the victim's ability to obtain or maintain employment."
Effective July 1, the law makes it a misdemeanor crime to share sexually-explicit images with intent to harm the victim. Distributing the images for monetary gain is a felony. The last is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Victims also may pursue civil damages from perpetrators.
T.J. Donovan, Chittenden County state attorney, said the law will allow prosecutors to hold perpetrators responsible for sharing sexually-explicit photos that were intended to be private.
