Committees give full backing for bills to crack down on ‘revenge porn’

PIERRE, S.D. (KBHB) — Legislative committees gave full backing to a pair of bills meant to crack down on so-called “revenge porn” and exploitive promulgation of pornography in last Friday’s action.

The House State Affairs Committee voted 12-0 to approve HB1277, a bill that mandates that only the person whose face appears in certain obscene material can receive revenue generated by the distribution of the material. It goes to the full HOUSE for debate.

The House Judiciary Committee later in the morning gave unanimous approval to House Bill 1108, prohibiting the sharing of intimate photos without authorization. The bill addresses the violation of personal rights for someone victimized by so-called “revenge porn” from an ex-spouse or boyfriend.

Sponsor Timothy Johns of Lead asked for support, in light of the insidious and pervasive spread of technology able to quickly invade anyone’s privacy.

Johns outlined the main purposes of HB1108.

Rapid City Representative Scyller Borglum applauded the bill.

Rapid City Representative Mike Diedrich voted yes as well.

House Bills 1277 and 1108 both go to the full House floor for further action.