Bill > SB25

This bill addresses the growing concern of artificial intelligence (AI) being used to create deepfakes in election communications by establishing comprehensive regulations to protect the integrity of elections. The legislation defines key terms like "AI-generated content," "deepfake," and "synthetic media," focusing on content that materially alters the meaning or appearance of a candidate's speech or actions. Within 60 days of an election, the bill prohibits the production, creation, or distribution of election communications that knowingly contain deepfakes, unless the content includes a clear disclosure stating that the media has been significantly edited by artificial intelligence. The bill provides specific requirements for these disclosures across different media formats, including printed materials, television, internet, and audio communications. Violations can result in escalating penalties, beginning with civil actions that allow candidates to seek injunctive relief and potential damages, and progressing to misdemeanor and felony charges for repeated offenses. The first violation may result in a civil action, a second violation could lead to a misdemeanor with potential fines and jail time, and a third violation could result in a felony with more substantial fines and potential prison sentences. The bill aims to protect candidates from potentially reputation-damaging and misleading AI-generated content while providing a framework for responsible use of AI in election communications.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0229