Rep. Mannix: HB 2299 bans AI generated sexual images

REP. MANNIX & REP. HARTMAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO BAN AI GENERATED SEXUAL IMAGES
By Oregon State Representatives Kevin Mannix and Annessa Hartman

Salem, Ore. – Today, the House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on HB 2299, which criminalizes the dissemination of pornographic or sexually explicit images generated through artificial intelligence (AI). The bipartisan bill comes as Oregonians face an exponential rise in the circulation of AI-generated intimate deepfakes depicting people engaging in sexual acts.

“Intimate deepfakes cause serious harm to innocent people,” said Representative Kevin L. Mannix (R-Salem). “Victims report experiencing significant emotional consequences and trauma, as well as damage to their reputations and careers. The vast majority of the victims are women and children.”

“AI-generated intimate images are a terrifying new weapon of abuse, and right now, victims are being told there’s nothing the law can do to protect them,” said Representative Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone). “HB 2299 makes it clear that fabricating and spreading intimate images without consent—whether real or AI-generated—is a serious crime.”

Last year, the FBI warned the public about “sextortion” schemes in which intimate deepfakes are used for monetary extortion. According to the release, between October 2021 and March 2023, FBI and Homeland Security investigations received sextortion reports that included more than 12,600 victims and led to more than 20 suicides.

“Current Oregon law has not kept up with artificial intelligence and there is not a law that prohibits the dissemination of intimate AI-generated images,” said Rep. Mannix. “HB 2299 addresses this issue. The legislation was carefully crafted with the help of the Oregon Department of Justice and District Attorneys, as well as input from law enforcement,” Rep. Mannix concluded.

HB 2299 updates current statute to include AI-generated and altered images to the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. The bill increases the maximum penalty for first degree offenders to five years’ imprisonment and/or a one hundred and twenty five thousand dollar fine. Repeat offenders would face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or up to a two-hundred and fifty thousand dollar fine. The bill also creates the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image in the second degree with a maximum punishment of one-year imprisonment and/or a $6,250 fine. Repeat offenders would face up to five years’ and/or a one hundred and twenty five thousand dollar fine.

HB 2299 has strong bipartisan support and is co-chief sponsored by Representative Susan McLain (D-Forest Grove) and Representative Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone).