CT HB06846

Prohibits distributing AI-generated or manipulated "deceptive synthetic media" (images, audio, or video) depicting individuals during the 90-day period before elections or primaries, when done without consent and intended to injure a candidate or influence election results

Allows distribution of deceptive synthetic media if accompanied by clear disclaimers stating the content "has been manipulated," with specific requirements for images (visible text), audio (spoken at beginning, end, and every 30 seconds for content over one minute), and video (text displayed throughout)

Exempts news organizations (broadcast, cable, satellite, websites, newspapers) that publish deceptive synthetic media as part of bona fide news coverage, provided they retain or add disclaimers and clearly state the content is manipulated

Establishes criminal penalties: class C misdemeanor for violations; class A misdemeanor if intended to cause violence/bodily harm or reaches over 10,000 individuals; class D felony for repeat offenders within 5 years

Creates civil enforcement allowing the Attorney General, depicted individuals, or injured candidates to seek injunctions and damages, with prevailing parties (except the Attorney General) entitled to attorney's fees; effective July 1, 2025