AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- DECEPTIVE AND FRAUDULENT SYNTHETIC MEDIA IN ELECTION COMMUNICATIONS

HB 5872 prohibits candidates, campaigns, political committees, and independent spenders from distributing deceptive or fraudulent synthetic media (AI-manipulated images, audio, or video falsely depicting a candidate) within 90 days of an election. It requires clear, prominent disclosures (visible text for visuals, spoken for audio) if such media is used, unless it qualifies as satire, parody, or is distributed by exempt media outlets like news organizations. The law allows affected candidates to seek court injunctions or damages for violations and exempts media companies acting as traditional news sources, satire, and platforms protected under federal law. It applies to election communications only and takes effect upon passage.