Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

This bill restricts how Montana state and local governments can use artificial intelligence systems by banning certain harmful applications and requiring transparency. It prohibits using AI for cognitive behavioral manipulation, discriminatory classification, deceptive purposes, or most public space surveillance, with exceptions for locating missing persons and existing facial surveillance programs. The law also mandates that any AI-generated public materials must be labeled as AI-produced and requires a trained human official to review and approve any AI decisions affecting individual rights or privileges. These provisions aim to establish clear boundaries and accountability measures for government AI use while allowing continued use in other contexts.

This bill (LC 1312) proposed banning the use of facial recognition technology at traffic lights. It would have directly affected local traffic management systems and public infrastructure operators using such technology. The bill died in the legislative process during drafting (2025-05-26) and never became law. No policy changes were implemented as a result.

SB 25 regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, specifically "deepfakes," in election communications within Montana. It prohibits individuals, political entities, and corporations from distributing deepfakes of candidates or political parties in election communications within 60 days before an election. This prohibition applies unless the communication includes a clear disclosure stating that the content has been significantly edited by AI and depicts false speech or conduct. The bill outlines specific formatting requirements for this disclosure across various media, including print, television, and internet communications. It also provides for injunctive relief, damages, and penalties for violations.

Senate Bill 413 creates the crime of "disclosing explicit synthetic media," also known as deepfakes, directly affecting individuals who create or share AI-generated content and protecting those falsely depicted. The bill makes it an offense to knowingly share synthetic media portraying an identifiable person engaged in sexual conduct or depicting intimate body parts without their consent, if it would cause substantial emotional distress. It also criminalizes disclosing such media with intent to harass or threaten, or possessing and threatening to disclose it for extortion. Penalties include fines and jail time, with increased penalties for repeat offenses or if the depicted person is under 18, though exceptions exist for reporting crimes, research, or legal proceedings.