Massachusetts approaches sexting differently than many other states. Instead of a specific statute explicitly named “sexting,” the Commonwealth relies on its general child pornography laws to prosecute these offenses. However, recent legal updates, including a significant 2024 reform known as “An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation,” have created a diversionary pathway for minors and … Read more
Maryland has specific laws addressing sexting involving minors. These laws give judges options to handle teen sexting cases with education rather than harsh criminal penalties. Under Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-35, courts must consider a minor’s age and circumstances. This allows them to avoid detention for consensual sexting between peers. However, adults who sext … Read more
Unlike some states that have created specific “teen sexting” statutes to decriminalize consensual image sharing between minors, Maine does not have a dedicated sexting law. Instead, sexting allegations are prosecuted under the state’s existing child pornography and sexual exploitation statutes found in Title 17-A, Chapter 12. While this sounds severe, Maine law includes specific “Romeo … Read more
Louisiana takes a strict approach to sexting, maintaining a clear legal distinction between minors (under 17) and adults. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:81.1.1, minors who share explicit images of themselves face misdemeanor charges in juvenile court rather than the severe felony penalties associated with child sexual abuse materials (formerly child pornography). However, because Louisiana … Read more
Kansas has established a distinct legal framework for handling sexting cases involving minors, distinguishing these offenses from the state’s more severe child pornography laws. Under Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) § 21-5610 and § 21-5611, lawmakers have created specific misdemeanor categories for teenagers who possess or share explicit images. These laws aim to prevent minors from … Read more
Iowa has some of the strictest sexting laws in the United States. Unlike states that have created specific “safe harbor” laws for minors, Iowa code does not distinguish between teen sexting and serious child pornography offenses. This means that a minor who sends or possesses an explicit image of another minor can be charged under … Read more
Unlike some states that have enacted specific “teen sexting” statutes to reduce penalties for minors, Indiana generally prosecutes sexting involving minors under its serious child exploitation laws. Under Indiana Code § 35-42-4-4, possessing or distributing explicit images of a minor—even if you are a minor yourself—can be charged as “Child Exploitation,” which is a Level … Read more
Idaho law distinguishes between “sexting” involving minors and more serious child exploitation offenses, primarily through Idaho Code §18-1507A. This statute, titled “Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Electronic Means,” was enacted to prevent teenagers from being branded as sex offenders for consensual sharing of intimate images. However, the law still carries significant penalties, including potential … Read more
Illinois takes a distinct approach to teen sexting compared to many other states. While the state has strict laws against child pornography, lawmakers have created a specific non-criminal framework for handling minor-to-minor sexting cases. Under 705 ILCS 405/3-40, minors involved in sexting are often classified as “Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention” (MRAI) rather than being charged … Read more
Hawaii Sexting Laws: A Comprehensive Guide (2026) Hawaii Sexting Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026 The legal landscape surrounding the digital exchange of intimate images in Hawaii is a complex intersection of traditional criminal statutes and modern privacy protections. As technology evolves, so does the way the state prosecutes offenses related to “sexting,” child pornography, … Read more