Prohibiting digital manipulation of sexually explicit content including minors

Senate Bill 254 creates a new felony offense in West Virginia for digitally manipulating media to falsely depict a minor in sexually explicit content. It prohibits inserting an actual minor's image (defined as someone under 18 when photographed) into explicit material to make it appear the minor was involved. Violators face fines up to $10,000, up to five years in prison, or both. The law specifically states this offense is separate from other existing criminal provisions.