HB172 Summary

• Criminalizes distribution of materially deceptive media (AI-generated images, audio, or video falsely depicting individuals) within 90 days before an election if the distributor knows it is false and intends to harm a candidate's reputation or deceive voters.

• Establishes that first violation is a Class A misdemeanor; second or subsequent conviction within five years is a Class D felony.

• Allows the Attorney General, depicted individuals, injured candidates, and entities representing voters to seek permanent injunctive relief against violators.

• Provides exemptions for media that includes a disclaimer stating "This media has been manipulated by technical means and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur," meeting specific display requirements for video, audio, and image formats.

• Excludes broadcasters, news outlets, Internet platforms, satire/parody content substantially dependent on human impersonation, and certain other entities from liability, and does not alter federal law protections under 47 U.S.C. Chapter 5 or Section 230.

• Takes effect October 1, 2024.