Bill > SB2996

This bill amends the Election Code to require that any "qualified political advertisement" – which is defined as a paid advertisement related to a candidate, election, or ballot question that includes any image, audio, or video generated in whole or substantially by artificial intelligence (AI) – must clearly and conspicuously state that it was generated by AI. The bill defines AI as a machine-based system that can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments based on inputs and analysis. The disclosure must be in a size and format appropriate to the advertisement, whether graphic, audio, or video, and in the same language. Violators face civil penalties, with fines increasing for subsequent offenses, and each non-compliant advertisement is considered a separate violation. However, the bill provides exemptions for certain broadcast content like bona fide newscasts, news interviews, or on-the-spot news coverage, as well as for paid advertisements broadcast by stations, distribution platforms with clear disclosure policies, satire or parody, and businesses regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. It also clarifies that distribution platforms are not liable if they have notified advertisers of their disclosure requirements. Furthermore, if a political advertisement featuring another candidate violates these disclosure rules, that featured candidate can seek court orders to stop its publication and may recover legal fees.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2996&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104