North DakotaLaw prohibits knowingly possessing computer-generated sexual images depicting children
People who knowingly possess images showing sexual conduct by minors, including computer-generated figures made to appear under eighteen, face felony charges.
What it does
Knowingly possessing sexual images depicting minors is a felony, including computer-generated figures made to appear under eighteen. Certain factors bring a higher felony class. Listed online services are not liable under this rule for others’ content.
Argument forCovering computer-generated images could discourage people from collecting sexual depictions of children, even when no real child appears.
Argument againstCriminal cases involving computer-generated images could hinge on disputed judgments about whether a depicted person looks younger than eighteen.
More detail
The law makes knowingly possessing images showing sexual conduct by a minor a felony. Covered images depict real children under eighteen or computer-generated figures made to appear under eighteen. Sexual conduct includes actual or simulated sexual activity, sexualized nudity, and touching specified private body parts. The person must know the material’s character and content. The offense is a class C felony. It is a class B felony if it involves at least twenty images, sexual cruelty or other violence, sexual acts with animals, or a child before puberty or under twelve. A class B felony also applies when the person has a prior conviction for an offense covered by the state's registration rules. Listed online service providers are not liable under this section for content supplied by another person. These include internet, cloud, and cybersecurity providers.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Apr 24Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22Latest
- Apr 23Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong 04/21Became Law
- Apr 18Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Apr 18Signed by Speaker
- Apr 16Signed by President
- Apr 14Second reading, passed, yeas 92 nays 2Major
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1386. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 14Concurred
- Apr 2Returned to House (12)
- Apr 1Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1386. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 28Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
- Mar 27Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0Minor
- Mar 26Committee Hearing 02:30
- Feb 13Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Feb 4Received from House
- Feb 3Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 2Passed House
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1386. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 30Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
- Jan 29Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 4 3Minor
- Jan 27Committee Hearing 02:57
- Jan 20Committee Hearing 10:30
- Jan 13Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
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