Section 1. new text begin [604.30] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of sections 604.30 and 604.31, the following terms have the meanings given. new text end

new text begin (b) "Dissemination" means distribution to one or more persons, other than the person who is depicted in the image, or publication by any publicly available medium. new text end

new text begin (c) "Image" means a photograph, film, video recording, or digital photograph or recording. new text end

new text begin (d) "Intimate parts" means genitals, pubic area, or anus of an individual, or if the individual is female, a partially or fully exposed nipple. new text end

new text begin (e) "Personal information" includes any identifier that permits communication or in-person contact with the person depicted in the image, including: new text end

new text begin (1) the person's first and last name, first initial and last name, first name and last initial, or nickname; new text end

new text begin (2) the person's home, school, or work address; new text end

new text begin (3) the person's telephone number, e-mail address, or social media account information; or new text end

new text begin (4) the person's geolocation data. new text end

new text begin (f) "Sexual act" means either sexual contact or sexual penetration. new text end

new text begin (g) "Sexual contact" means the intentional touching of intimate parts or intentional touching with seminal fluid or sperm onto another person's body. new text end

new text begin (h) "Social media" means any electronic medium, including an interactive computer service, telephone network, or data network, that allows users to create, share, and view user-generated content. new text end

new text begin (i) "Sexual penetration" means any of the following acts: new text end

new text begin (1) sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal intercourse; or new text end

new text begin (2) any intrusion, however slight, into the genital or anal openings of an individual by another's body part or an object used by another for this purpose. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [604.31] CAUSE OF ACTION FOR NONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES; SEXUAL SOLICITATION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. new text end

new text begin (a) A cause of action against a person for the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images exists when: new text end

new text begin (1) a person disseminated an image without the consent of the person depicted in the image; new text end

new text begin (2) the image is of an individual depicted in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed in whole or in part; new text end

new text begin (3) the person is identifiable: new text end

new text begin (i) from the image itself, by the person depicted in the image or by another person; or new text end

new text begin (ii) from the personal information displayed in connection with the image; and new text end

new text begin (4) the image was obtained or created under circumstances in which the person depicted had a reasonable expectation of privacy. new text end

new text begin (b) The fact that the individual depicted in the image consented to the creation of the image or to the voluntary private transmission of the image is not a defense to liability for a person who has disseminated the image without consent. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Nonconsensual sexual solicitation. new text end

new text begin A person who uses the personal information of another to invite, encourage, or solicit sexual acts without the individual's consent and knows or has reason to know it will cause the person whose personal information is used to feel harassed, frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated, is liable for damages to the individual whose personal information was published or disseminated publicly. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Damages. new text end

new text begin The court may award the following damages to a prevailing plaintiff from a person found liable under subdivision 1 or 2: new text end

new text begin (1) general and special damages, including all finance losses due to the dissemination of the image and damages for mental anguish; new text end

new text begin (2) an amount equal to any profit made from the dissemination of the image by the person who intentionally disclosed the image; new text end

new text begin (3) a civil penalty awarded to the plaintiff of an amount up to $10,000; and new text end

new text begin (4) court costs, fees, and reasonable attorney fees. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Injunction; temporary relief. new text end

new text begin (a) A court may issue a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order to prevent further harm to the plaintiff. new text end

new text begin (b) The court may issue a civil fine for the violation of a court order in an amount up to $1,000 per day for failure to comply with an order granted under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Confidentiality. new text end

new text begin The court shall allow confidential filings to protect the privacy of the plaintiff in cases filed under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Liability; exceptions. new text end

new text begin (a) No person shall be found liable under this section when: new text end

new text begin (1) the dissemination is made for the purpose of a criminal investigation or prosecution that is otherwise lawful; new text end

new text begin (2) the dissemination is for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct; new text end

new text begin (3) the dissemination is made in the course of seeking or receiving medical or mental health treatment, and the image is protected from further dissemination; new text end

new text begin (4) the image involves exposure in public or was obtained in a commercial setting for the purpose of the legal sale of goods or services, including the creation of artistic products for sale or display; new text end

new text begin (5) the image relates to a matter of public interest and dissemination serves a lawful public purpose; new text end

new text begin (6) the dissemination is for legitimate scientific research or educational purposes; or new text end

new text begin (7) the dissemination is made for legal proceedings and is consistent with common practice in civil proceedings necessary for the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, or protected by court order which prohibits any further dissemination. new text end

new text begin (b) This section does not alter or amend the liabilities and protections granted by United States Code, title 47, section 230, and shall be construed in a manner consistent with federal law. new text end

new text begin (c) A cause of action arising under this section does not prevent the use of any other cause of action or remedy available under the law. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Jurisdiction. new text end

new text begin A court has jurisdiction over a cause of action filed pursuant to this section if the plaintiff or defendant resides in this state. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin A cause of action arising under this section may be filed in either: new text end

new text begin (1) the county of residence of the defendant or plaintiff or in the jurisdiction of the plaintiff's designated address if the plaintiff participates in the address confidentiality program established by chapter 5B; or new text end

new text begin (2) the county where any image is produced, reproduced, or stored in violation of this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Discovery of dissemination. new text end

new text begin In a civil action brought under subdivision 1, the statute of limitations is tolled until the plaintiff discovers the image has been disseminated. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to causes of action commenced on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.02, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

Qualified domestic violence-related offense.

"Qualified domestic violence-related offense" includes a violation of or an attempt to violate sections 518B.01, subdivision 14 (violation of domestic abuse order for protection); 609.185 (first-degree murder); 609.19 (second-degree murder); 609.221 (first-degree assault); 609.222 (second-degree assault); 609.223 (third-degree assault); 609.2231 (fourth-degree assault); 609.224 (fifth-degree assault); 609.2242 (domestic assault); 609.2245 (female genital mutilation); 609.2247 (domestic assault by strangulation); 609.342 (first-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.343 (second-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.344 (third-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.345 (fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.377 (malicious punishment of a child); 609.713 (terroristic threats); 609.748, subdivision 6 (violation of harassment restraining order); 609.749 (stalking); 609.78, subdivision 2 (interference with an emergency call);new text begin 617.261 (nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images);new text end and 629.75 (violation of domestic abuse no contact order); and similar laws of other states, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and United States territories.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Acts constituting.

Whoever orally or in writing makes any of the following threats and thereby causes another against the other's will to do any act or forbear doing a lawful act is guilty of coercion and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2:

(1) a threat to unlawfully inflict bodily harm upon, or hold in confinement, the person threatened or another, when robbery or attempt to rob is not committed thereby; or

(2) a threat to unlawfully inflict damage to the property of the person threatened or another; or

(3) a threat to unlawfully injure a trade, business, profession, or calling; or

(4) a threat to expose a secret or deformity, publish a defamatory statement, or otherwise to expose any person to disgrace or ridicule; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(5) a threat to make or cause to be made a criminal charge, whether true or false; provided, that a warning of the consequences of a future violation of law given in good faith by a peace officer or prosecuting attorney to any person shall not be deemed a threat for the purposes of this sectionnew text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (6) a threat to commit a violation under section 617.261new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.275, is amended to read:

609.275 ATTEMPT TO COERCE.

Whoever makes a threat within the meaning of section 609.27, subdivision 1, clauses (1) to deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (6)new text end , but fails to cause the intended act or forbearance, commits an attempt to coerce and may be punished as provided in section 609.17.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.748, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them in this subdivision.

(a) "Harassment" includes:

(1) a single incident of physical or sexual assaultnew text begin , a single incident of stalking under section 609.749, subdivision 2, clause (8), a single incident of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images under section 617.261,new text end or repeated incidents of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that have a substantial adverse effect or are intended to have a substantial adverse effect on the safety, security, or privacy of another, regardless of the relationship between the actor and the intended target;

(2) targeted residential picketing; and

(3) a pattern of attending public events after being notified that the actor's presence at the event is harassing to another.

(b) "Respondent" includes any adults or juveniles alleged to have engaged in harassment or organizations alleged to have sponsored or promoted harassment.

(c) "Targeted residential picketing" includes the following acts when committed on more than one occasion:

(1) marching, standing, or patrolling by one or more persons directed solely at a particular residential building in a manner that adversely affects the safety, security, or privacy of an occupant of the building; or

(2) marching, standing, or patrolling by one or more persons which prevents an occupant of a residential building from gaining access to or exiting from the property on which the residential building is located.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.749, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Stalking crimes.

A person who stalks another by committing any of the following acts is guilty of a gross misdemeanor:

(1) directly or indirectly, or through third parties, manifests a purpose or intent to injure the person, property, or rights of another by the commission of an unlawful act;

(2) follows, monitors, or pursues another, whether in person or through any available technological or other means;

(3) returns to the property of another if the actor is without claim of right to the property or consent of one with authority to consent;

(4) repeatedly makes telephone calls, sends text messages, or induces a victim to make telephone calls to the actor, whether or not conversation ensues;

(5) makes or causes the telephone of another repeatedly or continuously to ring;

(6) repeatedly mails or delivers or causes the delivery by any means, including electronically, of letters, telegrams, messages, packages, through assistive devices for people with vision impairments or hearing loss, or any communication made through any available technologies or other objects; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(7) knowingly makes false allegations against a peace officer concerning the officer's performance of official duties with intent to influence or tamper with the officer's performance of official dutiesnew text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (8) uses another's personal information, without consent, to invite, encourage, or solicit a third party to engage in a sexual act with the personnew text end .

new text begin For purposes of this clause, "personal information" and "sexual act" have the meanings given in section 617.261, subdivision 7. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.765, is amended to read:

609.765 CRIMINAL DEFAMATION.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

Defamatory matter is anything which exposes a person or a group, class or association to hatred, contempt, ridicule, degradation or disgrace in society, or injury to business or occupation.

Subd. 2.

Acts constituting.

Whoever with knowledge of its new text begin false and new text end defamatory character orally, in writing or by any other means, communicates any new text begin false and new text end defamatory matter to a third person without the consent of the person defamed is guilty of criminal defamation and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

Subd. 3.

Justification.

Violation of subdivision 2 is justified if:

(1) deleted text begin the defamatory matter is true and is communicated with good motives and for justifiable ends; ordeleted text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end the communication is absolutely privileged; or

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the communication consists of fair comment made in good faith with respect to persons participating in matters of public concern; or

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end the communication consists of a fair and true report or a fair summary of any judicial, legislative or other public or official proceedings; or

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end the communication is between persons each having an interest or duty with respect to the subject matter of the communication and is made with intent to further such interest or duty.

Subd. 4.

Testimony required.

No person shall be convicted on the basis of an oral communication of defamatory matter except upon the testimony of at least two other persons that they heard and understood the oral statement as defamatory or upon a plea of guilty.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following the final enactment. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [617.261] NONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Crime. new text end

new text begin It is a crime to intentionally disseminate an image of another person who is depicted in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed, in whole or in part, when: new text end

new text begin (1) the person is identifiable: new text end

new text begin (i) from the image itself, by the person depicted in the image or by another person; or new text end

new text begin (ii) from personal information displayed in connection with the image; new text end

new text begin (2) the actor knows or reasonably should know that the person depicted in the image does not consent to the dissemination; and new text end

new text begin (3) the image was obtained or created under circumstances in which the actor knew or reasonably should have known the person depicted had a reasonable expectation of privacy. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Penalties. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), whoever violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. new text end

new text begin (b) Whoever violates subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of $5,000, or both, if one of the following factors is present: new text end

new text begin (1) the person depicted in the image suffers financial loss due to the dissemination of the image; new text end

new text begin (2) the actor disseminates the image with intent to profit from the dissemination; new text end

new text begin (3) the actor maintains an Internet Web site, online service, online application, or mobile application for the purpose of disseminating the image; new text end

new text begin (4) the actor posts the image on a Web site; new text end

new text begin (5) the actor disseminates the image with intent to harass the person depicted in the image; new text end

new text begin (6) the actor obtained the image by committing a violation of section 609.52, 609.746, 609.89, or 609.891; or new text end

new text begin (7) the actor has previously been convicted under this chapter. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin No defense. new text end

new text begin It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person consented to the capture or possession of the image. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 627.01, an offense committed under this section may be prosecuted in: new text end

new text begin (1) the county where the offense occurred; new text end

new text begin (2) the county of residence of the actor or victim or in the jurisdiction of the victim's designated address if the victim participates in the address confidentiality program established by chapter 5B; or new text end

new text begin (3) only if venue cannot be located in the counties specified under clause (1) or (2), the county where any image is produced, reproduced, found, stored, received, or possessed in violation of this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Exemptions. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1 does not apply when: new text end

new text begin (1) the dissemination is made for the purpose of a criminal investigation or prosecution that is otherwise lawful; new text end

new text begin (2) the dissemination is for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct; new text end

new text begin (3) the dissemination is made in the course of seeking or receiving medical or mental health treatment and the image is protected from further dissemination; new text end

new text begin (4) the image involves exposure in public or was obtained in a commercial setting for the purpose of the legal sale of goods or services, including the creation of artistic products for sale or display; new text end

new text begin (5) the image relates to a matter of public interest and dissemination serves a lawful public purpose; new text end

new text begin (6) the dissemination is for legitimate scientific research or educational purposes; or new text end

new text begin (7) the dissemination is made for legal proceedings and is consistent with common practice in civil proceedings necessary for the proper functioning of the criminal justice system, or protected by court order which prohibits any further dissemination. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Immunity. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability upon the following entities solely as a result of content or information provided by another person: new text end

new text begin (1) an interactive computer service as defined in United States Code, title 47, section 230, paragraph (f), clause (2); new text end

new text begin (2) a provider of public mobile services or private radio services; or new text end

new text begin (3) a telecommunications network or broadband provider. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. new text end

new text begin (b) "Dissemination" means distribution to one or more persons, other than the person depicted in the image, or publication by any publicly available medium. new text end

new text begin (c) "Harass" means an act that would cause a substantial adverse effect on the safety, security, or privacy of a reasonable person. new text end

new text begin (d) "Image" means a photograph, film, video recording, or digital photograph or recording. new text end

new text begin (e) "Intimate parts" means the genitals, pubic area, or anus of an individual, or if the individual is female, a partially or fully exposed nipple. new text end

new text begin (f) "Personal information" means any identifier that permits communication or in-person contact with a person, including: new text end

new text begin (1) a person's first and last name, first initial and last name, first name and last initial, or nickname; new text end

new text begin (2) a person's home, school, or work address; new text end

new text begin (3) a person's telephone number, e-mail address, or social media account information; or new text end

new text begin (4) a person's geolocation data. new text end

new text begin (g) "Sexual act" means either sexual contact or sexual penetration. new text end

new text begin (h) "Sexual contact" means the intentional touching of intimate parts or intentional touching with seminal fluid or sperm onto another person's body. new text end

new text begin (i) "Sexual penetration" means any of the following acts: new text end

new text begin (1) sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal intercourse; or new text end

new text begin (2) any intrusion, however slight, into the genital or anal openings of an individual by another's body part or an object used by another for this purpose. new text end

new text begin (j) "Social media" means any electronic medium, including an interactive computer service, telephone network, or data network, that allows users to create, share, and view user-generated content. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Other crimes. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section shall limit the power of the state to prosecute or punish a person for conduct that constitutes any other crime under any other law of this state. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Minnesota Session Laws - 2016, Regular Session

Resources

Chapter 126

CHAPTER 126--S.F.No. 2713

Section 1.

new text begin [604.30] DEFINITIONS. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [604.31] CAUSE OF ACTION FOR NONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES; SEXUAL SOLICITATION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Nonconsensual sexual solicitation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Damages. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Injunction; temporary relief. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Confidentiality. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Liability; exceptions. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Jurisdiction. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Discovery of dissemination. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.02, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

Qualified domestic violence-related offense.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Acts constituting.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.275, is amended to read:

609.275 ATTEMPT TO COERCE.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.748, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.749, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Stalking crimes.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.765, is amended to read:

609.765 CRIMINAL DEFAMATION.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

Subd. 2.

Acts constituting.

Subd. 3.

Justification.

Subd. 4.

Testimony required.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [617.261] NONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Crime. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Penalties. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin No defense. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Exemptions. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Immunity. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end