HB 327 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Consumer protection; production of digital replicas of voice or visual likenesses, prohibited for commercial use unless licensed, procedures established, private right of action authorized

HB 327 is a consumer protection bill prohibiting businesses from using a person's voice or image in a digital replica for commercial purposes without their written consent. It creates a private right for individuals to sue if their likeness is used without authorization, while allowing exceptions for news, commentary, satire, and short, non-commercial uses. The law also establishes that rights to control digital replicas last 10 years after a person's death (with possible 5-year renewals) but cannot exceed 50 years total. This directly affects individuals whose likenesses might be replicated and businesses creating or using such digital representations.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Last action Feb 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Judiciary 1st Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered and reclassified as a Judiciary substitute, indicating a shift in legislative focus. The core policy change redefines 'Digital Replica' to explicitly include altered versions of real performances, not just entirely synthetic ones. Additionally, the definition of 'Online Service' was significantly expanded to include digital audio transmission services and specific internet endpoints, while removing exclusions for wire/radio services.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to cover a broader range of digital media, including altered real-world performances and specific types of online audio services.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Digital Replica' was changed to include versions where an individual performed but the character was materially altered, broadening protection beyond purely synthetic creations.

The definition of 'Online Service' was restructured to explicitly include digital audio transmission services and specific internet endpoints, while removing previous exclusions for wire or radio services.

The definition of 'Digital Replica' was updated to clarify that it includes audiovisual works without accompanying sounds.

The definition of 'Digital Replica' was updated to remove the exclusion regarding remixing or digital remastering authorized by the copyright holder.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors