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Bill > HF2609
IA HF2609
IA HF2609A bill for an act relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 643.)
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials. The bill requires published material (newspaper, magazine, shopper, outdoor advertising facility, poster, direct mailing, brochure, internet site, campaign sign, or other form of printed or electronic general public political advertising, including television, video, or motion picture advertising) that contains synthetic media, defined in the bill, to include a disclosure. The inclusion of the disclosure required by the bill does not preclude a person from pursuing any other remedies under law for the publication of synthetic media. The bill requires the Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board to adopt rules to implement the bill. By operation of law, a person who willfully violates a provision of the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.
AI Summary
This bill requires that any published campaign material, including advertisements in newspapers, on the internet, or on television, that uses "synthetic media" must include a clear disclosure stating "THIS CONTENT GENERATED USING SYNTHETIC MEDIA." Synthetic media is defined as any image, audio, or video that has been digitally altered to realistically but falsely depict an individual's appearance, speech, or conduct in a way that a reasonable person would believe it to be real or that creates a significantly different understanding than the original, unaltered content; however, this definition excludes digital tools used for basic text editing like grammar or spelling checks, or stylistic improvements that don't create a false likeness or voice. The person responsible for the published material is liable for ensuring this disclosure is included, and this requirement does not prevent individuals from seeking other legal remedies for the use of synthetic media. The Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board will create rules to put this law into effect, and anyone who intentionally breaks this law faces penalties for a serious misdemeanor, which can include up to a year in jail and fines.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
State Government (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 345. (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2609 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2609.html |
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