Pennsylvania lawmakers advance bill to punish 'revenge porn'

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania state senators are advancing a bill to outlaw so-called "revenge porn," the practice of posting online sexually explicit photos or videos of ex-romantic partners as a way of humiliating them.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously Tuesday on a bill sponsored by Berks County Sen. Judy Schwank.

The bill would make the depiction of a minor a first-degree misdemeanor, while depiction of someone 18 or older would be a second-degree misdemeanor. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, while a second-degree misdemeanor carries up to two years in prison.

Schwank says lives and reputations can be ruined by a bitter former lover.

Only California and New Jersey have laws that punish perpetrators of "revenge porn," while several other states are considering bills.