Chris Christie Signs Law Criminalizing 'Upskirting,' Vetoes 2 Other Bills

Gov. Chris Christie has signed a bill that would criminalize "upskirting" while also vetoing two other pieces of legislation.

Christie signed A-156 Thursday to criminalize “upskirting” under New Jersey’s invasion of privacy laws.

This new law prohibits a person from photographing, filming, publishing and sharing the image of the clothed intimate parts of another person without consent. The bill would protect the privacy of a anybody not expecting to have his or her "private body parts" observed.

Christie noted that parents in the digital age are concerned about protecting children and privacy, and "a big part of doing that is for state criminal laws to keep up with new and emerging technologies."

"This new law targets perpetrators of a perverse and growing form of pornography that victimizes vulnerable women and children in a matter of seconds," he said.

The act of recording “upskirt” images or videos is a fourth-degree crime; the act of publishing or sharing is a third-degree crime; and the law allows victims to seek civil damages.

A fourth-degree crime is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A third-degree crime is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

The governor also took the following action on other pending legislation:

BILLS VETOED:

A-3417 (Pintor Marin, Ruiz) – CONDITIONAL - Designates portion of State Highway Route No. 21 in City of Newark as "Roberto Clemente Memorial Highway"

A-1210 (Mosquera, Prieto, DeAngelo, Quijano, Sumter, Oliver, Schaer, Lampitt, Turner, Vitale) – CONDITIONAL - Provides $21 minimum annual energy assistance to qualified families; qualifies families to receive additional nutritional assistance