Bill > HB387

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to expand legal protections against deep fake technology by broadening the definition of "deep fake" to include both images and videos created with the intent to deceive, and specifically addresses sexually explicit deep fake content. The legislation makes it a crime to produce or distribute electronic deep fake images or videos depicting a person's intimate parts or sexual conduct without their effective consent. Notably, the bill increases the criminal penalty from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony, which typically carries more serious consequences. A state jail felony in Texas is generally punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and a potential fine up to $10,000. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, and prior offenses will be governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. By expanding the definition to include both images and videos, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal protection against non-consensual deep fake sexually explicit content.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB387