Election deepfake laws by state
AI Laws USA tracks 45 U.S. AI rules on election deepfakes across federal, state, county, and city government. Each entry links to its official source.
Federal election deepfakes rules (3)
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In effect
TCPA (AI voice calls)
United States · Effective February 8, 2024 · 47 U.S.C. § 227; FCC 24-17
Robocalls using AI-cloned or AI-generated voices are treated like other 'artificial voice' calls: callers need your prior express consent, must identify themselves, and must offer opt-outs for telemarketing. You can personally sue violators for $500 to $1,500 per illegal call.
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In effect
FCC Lingo Telecom Biden deepfake fine
United States · Effective August 21, 2024 · FCC Consent Decree, DA 24-823 (Aug. 21, 2024)
The FCC fined voice provider Lingo Telecom $1 million for carrying AI-generated robocalls that used a cloned voice of President Biden to suppress votes in the January 2024 New Hampshire primary. It was the first FCC enforcement action against a carrier for transmitting AI deepfake robocalls.
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Expired
Bot Disclosure Act (Feinstein, died)
United States · S. 3127, 115th Cong. (2018) — died in committee
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's June 2018 bill would have required social media platforms to mandate disclosure of automated bots and would have banned political campaigns from using bots in disguised political ads. The first federal bot-disclosure proposal — never received committee action but inspired CA SB 1001 (2018, enacted) and NJ Bot Disclosure Act (2019, enacted).
State election deepfakes rules (41)
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In effect
PR Ley 105-2026 (AI Elections)
Puerto Rico · Effective June 10, 2026 · Ley Núm. 105-2026 (P. del S. 101)
Puerto Rico's Law 105-2026 amends the Electoral Code to require clear disclosure on any political ad created or materially modified by AI — text, image, audio, or video. Signed by Governor Jenniffer González on June 10, 2026. First standalone AI law on the books in PR.
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In effect
Guam Bill 209-38 / AI Deepfake Election Regulation Act
Guam · Effective March 16, 2026 · Guam Artificial Intelligence Deepfake Election Regulation Act (Bill 209-38 (COR), 38th Guam Leg.); enacted before March 16, 2026; PL# not confirmed
Bill prohibiting creation or distribution of materially deceptive media produced by generative AI in connection with Guam elections. Allows clearly labeled AI-generated content. Opposed by Guam Homeland Security on First Amendment grounds.
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In effect
Maryland SB 141 (election deepfakes)
Maryland · Effective June 1, 2026 · 2026 Md. Laws ch. 444 (SB 141)
This law makes it a crime to knowingly or with reckless disregard create, use, or disseminate a deepfake to produce materially false information in the election context. It also directs the State Administrator of Elections to publicly issue correct information when there is a credible report of election misinformation, and lets the State Board of Elections file a civil action. The prohibition does not apply to satire or parody or to bona fide news broadcasting.
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In effect
Vermont Election Deepfake Law
Vermont · Effective March 5, 2026 · 2026 VT Acts No. 75 (S.23)
Deceptive AI-generated images, audio, or video about Vermont candidates distributed within 90 days of an election must carry a clear disclosure: on video for the full duration, in audio at the beginning, end, and at least every two minutes. Fines run up to $1,000, rising to as much as $15,000 for repeat violations meant to cause violence or harm, and the candidate depicted can go to court to stop distribution.
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In effect
NV AI Election Ad Disclosure
Nevada · Effective January 1, 2026 · 2025 Nev. Laws Ch. 224 (AB 73); NRS ch. 294A
Nevada political ads containing AI-generated or digitally manipulated images, audio, or video must disclose it clearly, effective January 1, 2026. Wrongly depicted candidates can seek legal relief; satire and entertainment content is exempt.
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In effect
ND HB 1167 (political ads using AI to impersonate must say so)
North Dakota · Effective August 1, 2025 · N.D. Cent. Code ch. 16.1-10; 2025 N.D. Laws (HB 1167)
North Dakota now requires a clear disclaimer on political advertising or communications that use artificial intelligence to visually or audibly impersonate a real person. Covered content must display the statement 'THIS CONTENT GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.' The requirement targets AI impersonations in political video, audio, and images, and does not apply to ordinary tools like spell-check, grammar correction, or stylistic editing.
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In effect
Rhode Island 17-30 (ban on undisclosed election deepfakes near an election)
Rhode Island · Effective July 2, 2025 · R.I. Gen. Laws 17-30-1 to 17-30-4; P.L. 2025, ch. 409 & 410, eff. July 2, 2025
Rhode Island bars distributing synthetic media that the distributor knows is a deceptive and fraudulent deepfake of a candidate within 90 days of an election. The ban does not apply if the image, audio, or video carries a clear disclosure that it was manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence. A candidate depicted in violating media can sue to block its distribution and may also recover damages.
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In effect
SD Election Deepfake Law
South Dakota · Effective July 1, 2025 · SD SB 164 (2025); signed Mar. 31, 2025; eff. July 1, 2025
South Dakota requires that intentionally harmful, unlabeled AI deepfakes of politicians distributed within 90 days of an election carry an AI-manipulation disclosure; violators face civil and criminal liability. Broadcasters, newspapers, websites, and radio stations are exempt, as are satire and parody.
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In effect
NJ Deceptive AI Deepfakes Act
New Jersey · Effective April 2, 2025 · P.L.2025, c.40 (N.J. A3540/S2544)
New Jersey's deepfake law makes it a crime to create or use deceptive AI-generated audio or video to commit or further any crime. Making such media is a third-degree crime that can carry fines up to $30,000, and knowingly or recklessly sharing it is a fourth-degree crime. Victims can sue for at least $1,000 per violation plus punitive damages and legal fees. Satire, parody, news reporting, teaching and research are exempt.
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In effect
Kentucky SB 4 (AI Governance)
Kentucky · Effective March 24, 2025 · 2025 Ky. Acts (SB 4)
Kentucky SB 4 establishes an AI governance framework for state government — agencies need approval before deploying AI, must conduct risk assessments, disclose AI use in decisions, and keep human oversight for consequential decisions. It also bans undisclosed AI-generated content falsely depicting people in political communications, with a civil remedy for those depicted.
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Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 2655 (struck down)
CA · Effective January 1, 2025 · Cal. AB 2655 (Ch. 261, Stats. 2024), Cal. Elec. Code §§ 20510–20520; Kohls v. Bonta, No. 2:24-cv-02527 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 20, 2025) (final judgment and permanent injunction; appeal noticed Sept. 19, 2025)
California AB 2655 would have required large online platforms (1 million+ California users) to block or label materially deceptive AI-generated election content during set windows around California elections. It is NOT enforceable: on August 20, 2025 a federal court in Kohls v. Bonta (E.D. Cal.) entered final judgment and a permanent injunction holding the law violates and is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, and the State agreed not to enforce AB 2655 against any online service provider. California filed a notice of appeal on September 19, 2025.
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In effect
California AB 2355 (AI-generated political ads must disclose the AI use)
California · Effective January 1, 2025 · AB 2355, Stats. 2024 (amending the Political Reform Act of 1974)
A political committee that creates, publishes, or distributes a campaign ad whose images, audio, or video were generated or substantially altered using AI must include a clear disclosure stating that AI was used. The disclosure follows specific formatting rules depending on whether the ad is print, audio, or video. The state campaign-finance regulator can enforce it, with penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
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In effect
Delaware Election Deepfake Law
Delaware · Effective October 9, 2024 · 2024 DE HB 316; 15 Del. C.
Delaware criminalizes distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election with intent to harm or deceive. Basic violations are a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class E felony for repeats; a clear disclosure is a complete safe harbor.
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In effect
Alabama Election Deepfake Law
Alabama · Effective October 1, 2024 · 2024 Ala. Acts (HB 172)
Alabama criminalizes distributing materially false AI-generated media intended to harm a candidate or mislead voters within 90 days of an election. First violation is a misdemeanor; repeats within five years are felonies. Clearly disclaimed synthetic media is exempt.
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Blocked / in litigation
CA AB 2839 (enjoined)
CA · Effective September 17, 2024 · Cal. AB 2839 (2024), Stats. 2024, ch. 262 (Elec. Code § 20012); Kohls v. Bonta, No. 2:24-cv-02527-JAM-CKD (E.D. Cal.)
California AB 2839 banned knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI-generated or digitally altered election content about candidates, election officials and voting equipment in the 120 days before an election (and, for election officials and equipment, up to 60 days after). A federal court preliminarily blocked it on October 2, 2024 in Kohls v. Bonta, and on August 29, 2025 the court granted summary judgment to the challengers, holding the law violates the First Amendment and permanently barring the state from enforcing it against the plaintiffs. California did not appeal that ruling; its pending Ninth Circuit appeal (No. 25-6138) concerns only the companion platform law, AB 2655.
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In effect
NH Election Deepfake Law
New Hampshire · Effective August 1, 2024 · RSA 664:14-c (2024)
Prohibits distributing AI-generated deepfakes of candidates or election officials within 90 days of an election unless clearly disclosed as AI-manipulated. Depicted candidates can seek injunctions and damages.
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In effect
MS Deepfake Law
Mississippi · Effective July 1, 2024 · Miss. SB 2577, 2024 Reg. Sess., eff. July 1, 2024; new section to Miss. Code Ann. Title 97, Ch. 13
Mississippi criminalizes the wrongful dissemination of 'digitizations' — defined as deepfakes created using AI, machine learning, or computer-generated means — when done with intent to cause violence, harm, or deter someone from voting. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
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In effect
CO Candidate Deepfake Disclosure Law
Colorado · Effective July 1, 2024 · Colo. Rev. Stat. Secs. 1-45-111.5, 1-45-111.7, 1-46-101 to -106 (HB 24-1147, 2024 Colo. Sess. Laws ch. 250)
Colorado restricts distributing AI-generated deepfakes that falsely depict a candidate for elective office within set windows before a primary or general election, when the distributor knows or recklessly disregards that the depiction is false. A communication is shielded from liability if it carries a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating the media has been edited and falsely depicts speech or conduct. Complaints can be filed with the Secretary of State, and affected candidates have a private right of action.
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In effect
HB 919 (AI Political Ad Disclaimers)
Florida · Effective July 1, 2024 · Fla. Stat. § 106.145 (CS/HB 919, Ch. 2024-126, Laws of Fla.)
Florida political ads that use generative AI to depict a real person doing something they never did — with intent to injure a candidate or deceive voters — must carry a clear disclaimer that the content was created with generative AI. Failing to include the disclaimer is a first-degree misdemeanor.
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In effect
AZ Election Deepfake Disclosure Law
Arizona · Effective May 29, 2024 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (SB 1359); A.R.S. tit. 16
Arizona requires creators and sponsors of AI-generated synthetic media in election communications to include a clear disclosure within 90 days before an election. News, satire, and parody are exempt; candidates can seek injunctions.
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In effect
AZ Digital Impersonation Law
Arizona · Effective May 21, 2024 · 2024 Ariz. Sess. Laws (HB 2394); A.R.S. § 13-2006
Any Arizona citizen or candidate can go to court to stop the unconsented publication of a digital impersonation of themselves, and using AI-generated images, voice, or video of another person with intent to defraud or harass is a felony. Passed 57-0.
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In effect
New Mexico Political Deepfake Law
New Mexico · Effective May 15, 2024 · 2024 N.M. Laws (HB 182), amending NMSA 1978 Campaign Reporting Act
New Mexico requires political campaigns to include a prominent disclaimer — 'This has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence' — on any campaign ad containing materially deceptive AI content, and criminalizes distributing materially deceptive political media.
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In effect
Utah S.B. 131 (AI-generated political ads must say 'generated by AI')
Utah · Effective May 1, 2024 · Utah Laws 2024, S.B. 131; Utah Code 20A-11-1104, 76-3-203.18
Utah requires political audio and video communications that contain AI-generated 'synthetic media' to carry a clear disclosure that the content was made with AI. The rule covers paid communications meant to influence voting for or against a candidate or ballot proposition, and specifies the exact disclosure wording for audio, image, and video. A person can sue the creator or sponsor, and a court may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.
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In effect
New York AIDPA (AI deepfake political media must be disclosed)
New York · Effective April 20, 2024 · N.Y. Election Law 14-106; L. 2024, ch. 58, pt. MM
If someone knowingly puts out a political ad or message that contains AI-generated or otherwise materially deceptive media (such as a deepfake of a candidate), they must include a clear disclaimer saying the content has been manipulated. A candidate harmed by an undisclosed deepfake can ask a court to stop it.
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In effect
Oregon SB 1571 (campaign ads must disclose AI/synthetic media)
Oregon · Effective March 27, 2024 · 2024 Or. Laws ch. 62 (SB 1571)
Oregon requires campaign communications that use synthetic media (an AI-generated or AI-manipulated image, audio, or video depicting a person's voice or likeness) to carry a disclosure telling viewers the content was altered or created with artificial intelligence. The Secretary of State (or the Attorney General when the Secretary of State race is involved) can go to court to stop a non-compliant communication. Violators can face a civil penalty.
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In effect
ID FAIR Elections Act
Idaho · Effective March 25, 2024 · Idaho Code 67-6628A (HB 664, 67th Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess., 2024 Idaho Sess. Laws ch. 172), signed Mar. 25, 2024
Idaho's FAIR Elections Act lets a candidate whose words or actions are deceptively faked with AI-generated audio or video in election campaign materials go to court to stop its publication and sue the creator for damages and attorney fees. Including a clear label saying the video or audio 'has been manipulated' is a defense to such a lawsuit.
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In effect
WI AI Election Disclosure Law
Wisconsin · Effective March 22, 2024 · 2023 Wis. Act 123; Wis. Stat. ch. 11
Wisconsin requires political communications paid for by campaigns, PACs, or parties to carry a clear 'Contains content generated by AI' disclosure if they include synthetic media. Violations carry up to $1,000 per offense via the Ethics Commission.
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In effect
MI SOS Deepfake Election Policy
MI · Effective February 13, 2024 · Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.932f, enacted by P.A. 265 of 2023
Michigan's Secretary of State adopted a statewide response plan for AI-generated deepfake election content, coordinating with Michigan Cyber Command and Michigan State Police. Local clerks have standardized procedures for documenting and escalating AI deepfake incidents.
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In effect
Michigan Election Deepfake Law
Michigan · Effective February 13, 2024 · 2023 Mich. Pub. Acts 263–266; MCL 169.259
Michigan requires clear AI-disclosure disclaimers on political ads created substantially with AI, and separately bans distributing materially deceptive media to influence an election within 90 days of a vote. Distributing election deepfakes without disclosure is a felony punishable by up to five years.
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In effect
Michigan HB 5141 (AI political-ad disclaimer)
Michigan · Effective February 13, 2024 · 2023 Mich. Pub. Act 263 (HB 5141), amending the Michigan Campaign Finance Act
Michigan amended its Campaign Finance Act so that a political advertisement created in whole or substantially through artificial intelligence must carry a clear statement disclosing that AI was used. The rule reaches print, audio, and video messages relating to candidates, elections, or ballot questions in the state. The Secretary of State sets the size and placement standards for the required disclaimer, with limited exemptions for items too small to label.
- 11 more
- MN Deepfake Law · Minnesota · In effect
- SB 5152 (Election Synthetic Media) · Washington · In effect
- NJ Bot Disclosure Act (bots must identify themselves) · New Jersey · In effect
- TX SB 751 (2019, first state election deepfake law) · TX · In effect
- California Bot Disclosure Act (bots must self-identify in sales/election messaging) · California · In effect
- Montana SB 25 election deepfakes — preliminarily enjoined as to plaintiff (2026) · Montana · In effect
- Hawaii Election Deepfake Law (blocked) · Hawaii · Blocked / in litigation
- PR P. de la C. 877 (Deepfake Attacks) · Puerto Rico · Proposed / pending
- CA AB 730 (2019, expired) · CA · Expired
- AK SB 177 — AI deepfakes / cybersecurity / data privacy (dead, 2024) · Alaska · Expired
- AK HB 358 — deepfake defamation / electioneering (dead, 2024) · Alaska · Expired
County election deepfakes rules (1)
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Blocked / in litigation
Butte-Silver Bow data center initiative ballot litigation (2026)
Butte-Silver Bow, MT · 406 People First and Denise Kelly v. Butte-Silver Bow (Mont. Sup. Ct., orders of Sept. 22 and Sept. 24, 2026) — Local Initiative 00-02
A Butte citizens' group, 406 People First, gathered more than the 3,652 signatures needed for a local initiative that would bar any authorization to build or expand a data center in Butte-Silver Bow without voter approval. The county elections office first certified the signatures, then said a new state law moved the deadline earlier, which knocked the measure off the ballot. A district judge sided with the county on August 28, 2026. On September 22 the Montana Supreme Court ordered the measure onto the November ballot, but on September 24 it vacated that order after learning ballots had already been mailed and in some cases returned. The initiative will not be on the November 2026 ballot; a later rehearing request was denied (reported September 26).