Missouri House Panel Considers ‘Revenge Porn’ Bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri House committee is considering legislation that would outlaw a phenomenon known as "revenge pornography."

"Revenge porn" is posting online sexually explicit photos or videos of ex-romantic partners as a way of humiliating them.

Sponsoring Rep. Kevin Engler told the House public safety committee Thursday that revenge porn can have a devastating effect on a person's life. The Farmington Republican's legislation would prohibit someone from observing and then disclosing images of intimate sexual acts without the other person's consent.

Disclosing the explicit images would be considered a felony and is punishable by up to four years in prison.

The panel did not vote on Engler's bill. Other states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia, are considering similar measures.