Bill > HB401

This bill amends the Texas Election Code to create a criminal offense for creating and distributing "deep fake" videos with the intent to harm a candidate or influence an election outcome. Specifically, the bill removes the previous time limitation of 30 days before an election, which means the offense can now be prosecuted at any time if the video is created and distributed with the intent to damage a candidate or sway an election result. A "deep fake" is a type of synthetic media where a person's image or voice is replaced with someone else's using advanced artificial intelligence techniques. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date. The legislation aims to protect the integrity of elections by criminalizing the malicious creation and distribution of deliberately misleading video content designed to manipulate voters or harm political candidates.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB401