84R10110 DDT-D
 
  By: Davis of Dallas H.B. No. 3510
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the publication of an image that depicts an individual
  without the individual's consent; imposing civil penalties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle C, Title 5, Business & Commerce Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 111 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 111. PUBLICATION OF CERTAIN IMAGES
         Sec. 111.001.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "unauthorized
  image" means an image that depicts an individual who has not
  consented to the capture or publication of the image.
         Sec. 111.002.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter does
  not apply to the publication of an image by a bona fide member of the
  news media or of law enforcement when acting in that capacity.
         Sec. 111.003.  PUBLICATION OF UNAUTHORIZED IMAGE
  PROHIBITED. A person may not publish an unauthorized image on the
  Internet.
         Sec. 111.004.  REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORIZED IMAGE. A
  business entity that owns or operates an Internet website and
  receives a request from an individual who is depicted in an
  unauthorized image for removal of the unauthorized image from the
  Internet website shall remove the image not more than 48 hours after
  the business entity receives the request.
         Sec. 111.005.  CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTION. (a) A business
  entity that violates Section 111.004 is liable to the state for a
  civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $200.
         (b)  The attorney general or an appropriate local
  prosecuting attorney may sue to collect a civil penalty under this
  section.
         (c)  If the attorney general brings the suit, the penalty
  shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the
  general revenue fund. If a local prosecuting attorney brings the
  suit, the penalty shall be deposited in the general fund of the
  county in which the violation occurred.
         (d)  The attorney general may bring an action in the name of
  the state to restrain or enjoin a violation or threatened violation
  of this chapter. 
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 111, Business & Commerce Code, as added
  by this Act, applies to any publication of an image that occurs on
  or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of whether the
  information was initially published before that date.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.