SB 418: Torts; cause of action against the knowing and unauthorized use of an individual's photograph or image together with representations of nudity or sexually explicit conduct; provide

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Discussed in meetings (9)

The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.

1. Senate Judiciary Committee, February 26, 2026

   From 0:27:23 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor presented a substitute addressing knowingly unauthorized use of someone's image with nudity or sexually explicit conduct. The sponsor said the substitute replaced a private lawsuit with enforcement by the attorney general, who could seek a court order, penalties up to $1,000 per violation, or both. The sponsor described a 10-year filing period, running from the 18th birthday for minors, protection for deceased individuals, a pause during related criminal proceedings, and an exemption for internet providers that only supply access or connections. One committee member questioned relying solely on the attorney general, citing competing demands and the possibility that a case would not be pursued. The sponsor welcomed broader enforcement. Legislative counsel advised that allowing private lawsuits would require different language, not simply replacing the attorney general with any person. The committee unanimously adopted an amendment allowing enforcement by the attorney general or an appropriate prosecuting attorney, with a corresponding title change. The amended substitute then passed unanimously.

2. Senate Rules Committee, March 5, 2026

   From 0:22:46 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor described SB 418 as protection against unauthorized use of people's images to depict nudity or sexually explicit conduct, especially involving minors. Returning to the proposal later, the sponsor corrected the calendar sheet's description: enforcement would be through the attorney general or an appropriate prosecuting authority, not a private lawsuit by an individual. The chair said bill titles should be updated to reflect committee changes. The committee unanimously included the bill in the floor-calendar package.

3. Senate floor session, March 6, 2026 (legislative day 28, part 1)

   From 8:41:19 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the bill's status history (Senate Tabled)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said SB 418 would allow the attorney general or appropriate prosecutor to bring civil enforcement actions against knowing, unauthorized use of a person's identifiable image in depictions of nudity or sexually explicit conduct. The sponsor said the protections covered minors, extended for 10 years after a minor turns 18 and could also cover deceased people. Two amendments changed terminology to consistently describe civil enforcement and increased the potential penalty from $1,000 to $10,000. A member asked whether private possession or a recognizable drawing could qualify without distribution. The sponsor answered that personal and commercial uses could be covered and emphasized knowing use without the depicted person's consent. Both amendments were adopted without objection. The Senate adopted the amended committee substitute and passed the bill, 40 to 8.

4. House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, March 19, 2026

   From 0:12:07 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor presented a committee substitute for SB 418, saying it would let the attorney general or prosecutors seek orders stopping unauthorized sexualized depictions and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The sponsor said protections covered minors, adults and deceased people, physical alterations as well as AI images, and personal use as well as distribution. The sponsor described 10-year filing periods, beginning at age 18 for minors, and a pause in civil proceedings during related criminal cases. One member questioned intent wording, parental-consent language, filing deadlines and the pause. The sponsor agreed to review wording and deadlines but defended prioritizing criminal cases. Other members questioned provider protections. The sponsor said providers could remain liable for creating content, but not merely supplying access or tools. Another member favored allowing individuals to sue, citing prosecutor workloads; the sponsor argued prosecutor-led enforcement would be faster and less costly. Members also raised parody, nonsexual humiliating images and possible overlap with child sexual abuse and revenge-porn laws. The sponsor said civil relief would supplement criminal enforcement. A Frontline witness supported the measure. The chair identified possible revisions. No amendment or vote occurred.

• Read aloud: Senate floor session, January 27, 2026 (legislative day 7), 0:21:25
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 3, 2026 (legislative day 26), 0:33:25
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 4, 2026 (legislative day 27), 0:48:02
• Read aloud: House floor session, March 9, 2026 (legislative day 29), 0:51:08
• Read aloud: House floor session, March 10, 2026 (legislative day 30), 0:42:01

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