Summary

Creates a new, image-focused legal definition of “obscene; obscenity” in the Communications Act that applies to visual depictions, and makes a small technical cross‑reference change. It also alters the wording of the federal criminal statute that covers obscene or harassing telephone and interstate communications by removing a phrase about specific intent. Together these changes affect how visual sexual material is defined for communications law and adjust the mental‑state language in one criminal communications provision.

• Inserts a new, three-part legal definition of obscenity that applies specifically to visual images in the Communications Act.
• The new definition requires (1) prurient appeal, (2) depiction of sexual acts/contacts or lewd genital exhibition with objective intent to arouse, and (3) lack of serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
• Cross-reference updates are made to reflect the new statutory paragraph numbering.
• Alters 47 U.S.C. §223(a)(1)(A) by removing language about intent to abuse, threaten, or harass, changing the statutory wording tied to criminal liability for certain obscene or harassing communications.
• Does not include funding, appropriations, or an effective date in the text provided.
• Will likely require judicial interpretation to apply the new image‑focused obscenity test in disputed cases.
• Affects how communications platforms, publishers, and law enforcement might assess and prosecute visual sexual content transmitted across state lines.