BLEDSOE INTRODUCES THE RIGHT OF PUBLICITY ACT
Senate Bill 7 protects individuals from unauthorized image use
FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 18, 2025)—Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, has introduced Senate Bill (SB) 7, legislation to safeguard individuals from the unauthorized commercial use of their unclothed likeness. Called The Right of Publicity Act, the bill establishes explicit legal protections to ensure a person's image cannot be used for profit without explicit consent.
“This legislation is about personal dignity, privacy, and control,” Bledsoe said. “In an era where digital manipulation and unauthorized distribution of images are increasingly common, individuals must retain full agency over their likeness. When we think about AI, it’s evident we are living in terrifying times because images of us or our children can be generated completely digitally. We have to put protections in statute to deal with those dangers because these dangers are real.”
The proposed law extends protections to both living and deceased individuals and restricts the unauthorized commercial use of their “unclothed bodies” for advertising, merchandise, or fundraising purposes. To ensure a balanced approach, the bill carves out exemptions for artistic works such as literature, theatre, musicals, films, and other works, and, under certain conditions, promotional material or advertisements for news reporting or entertainment mediums. The act recognizes the importance of free expression while reinforcing individual rights.
SB 7 defines an “unclothed body” as any image of an individual that reveals, in the case of women, the naked breast, buttocks, or genitalia, or, in the case of men, naked genitalia or buttocks. The act establishes penalties for violations, allowing affected individuals or their estates to seek financial damages and legal recourse.
“I recognize this is a complex issue that intersects with existing legal standards regarding public figures and expressive works,” Bledsoe added. “My goal is to foster meaningful discussions that protect personal rights without undermining legitimate media and artistic expression. As both a legislator and a mother, I believe this is necessary to ensure that human dignity and personal privacy are our top priority.”
SB 7 is awaiting a committee assignment. Find a copy of the bill attached.
###
Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer, and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as vice chair of both the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and the Senate Families and Children Committee. Additionally, Bledsoe is an ex officio member of various budget review subcommittees, including Health and Family Services; Education; Justice; General Government and Economic Development; and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. She co-chairs the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity statutory committee and is a member of the Licensing and Occupations Committee, the State and Local Government Committee, and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight statutory committee. In 2024, she co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force and served on the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission statutory committee.
Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate112.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Bledsoe.
Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.
Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.
Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.
Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for information on caucus members and to view press releases from our office.