House Bill 575 Summary

• Creates a new crime of "disclosing explicit synthetic media" that prohibits knowingly sharing AI-generated or digitally altered sexually explicit images without consent when the person portrayed would suffer substantial emotional distress.

• Establishes a misdemeanor offense for first-time violations, with enhanced penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to $25,000 fine for repeat offenders within the past 5 years.

• Includes a separate felony provision for extortion when someone threatens to disclose synthetic media to obtain money or valuable consideration from the person depicted.

• Provides exemptions for disclosures made during criminal investigations, reporting unlawful conduct, matters of legitimate public interest, scientific/educational research, and civil legal proceedings protected by court order.

• Excludes online platforms, internet service providers, and telecommunications services from liability unless they intentionally aid or abet the disclosure; law becomes effective July 1, 2024.