SB 454 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act

SB 454, the "Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act," makes it illegal to intentionally distribute deep fake media falsely depicting a person engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, specifically when done to harass, coerce, or damage their reputation. The law applies to anyone distributing such content (e.g., through social media or sharing), while excluding constitutionally protected speech like political satire or works with clear disclaimers that the media is manipulated. Violations carry penalties of up to $10,000 fines or five years in prison for repeat offenses, with lesser penalties for other cases, and allow courts to issue restraining orders to stop ongoing distribution. This directly affects individuals whose images are misused without consent and those creating or sharing non-consensual deep fakes.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Jan 16, 2026
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3
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Committee
1
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Laura Chapman
Laura Chapman
RRepublican
WV
1