SC H3517

Prohibits distributing synthetic media (AI-generated or manipulated images, audio, or video) depicting a candidate within 90 days of an election if the content is intended to deceive voters or injure the candidate's reputation

Requires disclosure stating "This (image, video, or audio) has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence" to exempt media from the prohibition, with specific formatting requirements for visual and audio content

First offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and/or $500 fine; second offense within five years is a felony with up to five years imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine

Candidates depicted in prohibited deepfakes may seek injunctive relief to stop publication and sue for damages, including recovery of attorneys' fees

Exempts news broadcasts that acknowledge authenticity questions, broadcasters who made good faith efforts to verify content, news publications that disclose the manipulation, and content that constitutes satire or parody