Oregon House OKs bill to strengthen ‘revenge porn’ law

The Oregon House unanimously passed House Bill 2393 on Wednesday, strengthening Oregon’s unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, or “revenge porn” law.

Since the passage of the initial “revenge porn” legislation in 2015, it became clear that more work needed to be done to make sure that the law was working as intended and providing the victims of this crime the recourse they deserved, Oregon House Democrats said in a news release.

“Not only has technology changed, but so has our understanding of how individuals are experiencing this crime,” said Rep. Jennifer Williamson (D-Portland) who carried the bill on the floor. “With that, we must make sure our state laws are up to date and reflect the realities Oregonians face.”

A workgroup convened by the Oregon Department of Justice identified a number of changes that needed to be made to existing state law. The legislation eliminates redundant definitions, removes the requirement that an image be shared through an “internet website” to reflect what people are experiencing as well as new technologies, allows for a civil right of action, and clarifies identifiability of a victim.

” Oregon House Democrats are committed to making sure our justice system is fair for all, ” the news release said.

House Bill 2393 now goes to the Oregon Senate for consideration.