MT SB25

Prohibits persons or entities working in an official election capacity from paying for or sponsoring deepfake election communications within 60 days of voting, unless the content includes a disclosure stating it was "significantly edited by artificial intelligence"

Defines "deepfake" as AI-generated content or synthetic media depicting a candidate or political party with intent to injure reputation or deceive voters, where the content appears to show actions or speech that did not occur

Establishes specific disclosure format requirements: 12-point bold font for print, 4% vertical picture height for video, clearly viewable for internet content, and 8-second audible statement for audio

Provides exceptions for bona fide news coverage with proper context/disclaimers, satire/parody, content where broadcasters comply with federal candidate advertisement requirements, and interactive computer service providers for third-party content

Allows aggrieved candidates to seek injunctive relief, actual damages, and up to $10,000 in punitive damages; establishes escalating criminal penalties from civil fines to misdemeanor (up to $500/6 months jail) for second violations and felony (up to $5,000/2 years prison) for third violations