HB 1225

Bill Subjects

Civil Law And Procedure; Liabilities, Damages, And Penalties Criminal Law And Procedure; Offenses Against Persons Elections; Campaign Activities (Including Advertisements, Contributions, Expenditures, And Reporting) Technology; Communication (Including Internet, Phone Lines, Print Media, Radio, And Television)

Abstract

Defines "fabricated media" as recorded audio, a recorded image, or recorded video of an individual's speech, appearance, or conduct: (1) that has been altered without the individual's consent such that: (A) the media conveys a materially inaccurate depiction of the individual's speech, appearance, or conduct; and (B) a reasonable person would be unable to recognize that the recording has been altered; or (2) in which an artificially generated audio or video imitation of an individual that: (A) has been created without the individual's consent; and (B) is sufficiently lifelike that a reasonable person would be unable to distinguish the speech or appearance of the imitation from the speech or appearance of the individual; is used to convey a fictional depiction of the individual's speech, appearance, or conduct. Provides that a person who pays for or sponsors a political campaign advertisement that: (1) expressly advocates for the defeat of a clearly identified candidate; and (2) includes fabricated media that: (A) depicts the identified candidate; and (B) was created without the consent of the identified candidate; commits a Class A misdemeanor and is subject to a civil action by the identified candidate. Provides that a person that pays for the creation of a publicly disseminated advertisement that: (1) includes fabricated media depicting a living individual without the consent of the individual; or (2) includes fabricated media depicting a deceased individual without the consent of the person entitled to exercise and enforce the individual's rights of publicity; commits a deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general and is subject to a civil action by the individual or by the person entitled to exercise and enforce the individual's rights of publicity.