Bill Text: NJ S126 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

New Jersey Senate Bill 126 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Upgrades crime of invasion of privacy under certain circumstances.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-01-09 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee [S126 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-S126-Introduced.html

SENATE, No. 126

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2018 SESSION

Sponsored by:

Senator KRISTIN M. CORRADO

District 40 (Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic)

SYNOPSIS

Upgrades crime of invasion of privacy under certain circumstances.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

An Act concerning invasion of privacy and amending P.L.2003, c. 206.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.206 (C.2C:14-9) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. An actor commits a crime of the fourth degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know that another may expose intimate parts or may engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact, he observes another person without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed.

b. An actor commits a crime of the third degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he photographs, films, videotapes, records, or otherwise reproduces in any manner the image of another person whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact, without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed. An actor is guilty of a crime of the second degree if he commits an offense under this subsection which involves conduct that results in death or conduct that a reasonable person would believe is likely to cause another person to suffer extreme emotional distress or serious bodily injury.

c. An actor commits a crime of the third degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he discloses any photograph, film, videotape, recording or any other reproduction of the image of another person whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact, unless that person has consented to such disclosure. An actor is guilty of a crime of the second degree if he commits an offense under this subsection which involves conduct that results in death or conduct that a reasonable person would believe is likely to cause another person to suffer extreme emotional distress or serious bodily injury. For purposes of this subsection, "disclose" means sell, manufacture, give, provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, transfer, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, advertise or offer. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine not to exceed $30,000 may be imposed for a violation of this subsection.

d. It is an affirmative defense to a crime under this section that:

(1) the actor posted or otherwise provided prior notice to the person of the actor's intent to engage in the conduct specified in
subsection a., b., or c., and

(2) the actor acted with a lawful purpose.

e. (1) It shall not be a violation of subsection a. or b. to observe another person in the access way, foyer or entrance to a fitting room or dressing room operated by a retail establishment or to photograph, film, videotape, record or otherwise reproduce the image of such person, if the actor conspicuously posts at the entrance to the fitting room or dressing room prior notice of his intent to make the observations, photographs, films, videotapes, recordings or other reproductions.

(2) It shall be a violation of subsection c. to disclose in any manner any such photograph, film, videotape or recording of another person using a fitting room or dressing room except under the following circumstances:

(a) to law enforcement officers in connection with a criminal prosecution;

(b) pursuant to subpoena or court order for use in a legal proceeding; or

f. It shall be a violation of subsection a. or b. to observe another person in a private dressing stall of a fitting room or dressing room operated by a retail establishment or to photograph, film, videotape, record or otherwise reproduce the image of another person in a private dressing stall of a fitting room or dressing room.

g. For purposes of this act, a law enforcement officer, or a corrections officer or guard in a correctional facility or jail, who is engaged in the official performance of his duties shall be deemed to be licensed or privileged to make and to disclose observations, photographs, films, videotapes, recordings or any other reproductions.

h. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provisions of law, a conviction arising under subsection b. of this section shall not merge with a conviction under subsection c. of this section, nor shall a conviction under subsection c. merge with a conviction under subsection b.

i. For the purposes of this section, "extreme emotional distress" means mental suffering or distress of an extreme nature or degree such that it would significantly impair a reasonable person's ability to function normally.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.206, s.1)

2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall be applicable to all offenses committed on or after the effective date of this act.

STATEMENT

Currently, under the provisions of N.J.S.A.2C:14-9 the "video voyeurism" statute, the unlawful observation of another person whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree. The unlawful photographing, filming, videotaping, recording or other reproduction of the image of another person or the unlawful disclosure of such images is a crime of the third degree.

This bill would upgrade this third degree crime of invasion of privacy to a crime of the second degree if the actor commits an offense under the bill which involves conduct that results in death or conduct that a reasonable person would believe is likely to cause another person to suffer extreme emotional distress or serious bodily injury. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000 or both.