SB 5450 Summary

• Prohibits distribution of deceptive synthetic media (manipulated images, audio, or video) during the 90-day period before elections or primaries without the individual's consent if intended to injure a candidate or influence election results, effective July 1, 2024

• Allows distribution of deceptive synthetic media if prominent disclaimers are included: for images stating "This image has been manipulated," for audio with spoken disclaimer at beginning/end and every 30 seconds, and for video with visible text disclaimer throughout

• Exempts broadcast and print media outlets that publish deceptive synthetic media as part of bona fide news coverage, provided they retain or add disclaimers and clearly state the content contains manipulated media

• Establishes criminal penalties of class C misdemeanor for violations, class A misdemeanor if intended to cause violence/harm or distributed to audience exceeding 10,000 people, and class D felony for violations within 5 years of prior conviction

• Authorizes the Attorney General, affected individuals, and candidates to seek civil injunctions and recover damages, with prevailing non-government plaintiffs awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs