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AI Political Ad Disclosure Laws by State (2026)
Fifty states and the District of Columbia, each checked against its statute, session law, bill record or court order on 3 and 4 October 2026. 30 have a law in force. The states do not agree with each other, several laws are in court, and a row here points to the source. It is not legal clearance.
Local draft and source check: . Not a publication date.
Separate a proposal from an operative requirement
The FEC's September 2024 action declined the requested AI rulemaking and explained that its specified fraudulent-misrepresentation prohibitions apply regardless of technology. That action is not a general AI-disclosure rule and does not make all synthetic political content permissible.
FCC 24-74 is a 2024 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for AI disclosure in certain regulated political advertising. A later final order and current docket status were not established in this source check. Do not treat the proposal as an operative nationwide label requirement. Nor does this limited check establish that no other federal requirement exists today.
This draft makes no claim about current FEC quorum, pending bills, nationwide state counts or recent court outcomes. Counsel must check current law, agency action and relevant orders before any proposed use.
State by state: status, wording and court orders
Of the 51 jurisdictions below, 30 have a law in force that addresses AI-generated or deceptive synthetic media in election communications, 1 has a law that a court has blocked, 7 have only pending bills, and in 13 we found no election-specific law. "In force" does not mean settled: several of these statutes face constitutional challenges, and the "Watch for" column names the cases.
Many of these laws apply only in a set period before an election, and many allow the content when it carries a stated disclosure. The details differ from state to state: the window, the exact wording, and whether the law reaches the person who makes the media or the sponsor who distributes it. Read the row, then open the source.
Whether a state law reaches ads about candidates for federal office is unsettled in several states. Where the check found that question open, the row says so.
What this table leaves out: general deepfake, fraud, defamation and right-of-publicity laws, which can also apply to political content, local ordinances, and platform rules (next section). A state marked "No law found" is not a state where anything is permitted.
- 30In force
- 1Blocked by a court
- 7Bill pending
- 13No law found
| State | Status and citation | What it covers | Required disclosure | Watch for | Primary source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | In forceAla. Code § 17-5-16.1 (Act 2024-349, HB 172) | Makes it a crime to distribute AI-produced image, audio or video that falsely depicts a person saying or doing something they did not, when the distributor knows it is false and intends to harm a candidate and deceive voters. It covers federal, state and local elections.Within 90 days before an election | No fixed wording: the prohibition does not apply to media with a disclaimer like this one, which the statute says is sufficient but not necessary: "This media has been manipulated by technical means and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur." | The statute is not limited to the sponsor. It covers any person who distributes the media, or enters into an agreement with another person to distribute it, with the required knowledge and intent. | Alabama HB 172, enrolled (2024 Regular Session) |
| Alaska | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: SB 64 (deepfake provision removed per Public Citizen, vetoed April 30, 2026, override failed May 4, 2026), SB 2 and SB 33 (died May 2026) and HB 358, SB 177 and HB 306 (failed May 2024) all failed. | None stated | Nothing flaggedConfidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | Public Citizen tracker: state legislation on deepfakes in elections |
| Arizona | In forceA.R.S. § 16-1024 (SB 1359, Laws 2024, ch. 199). Also A.R.S. § 16-1023 (HB 2394, Laws 2024, ch. 193) | A creator may not create and distribute synthetic media of a candidate on the ballot, made knowing it is false and intending to injure the candidate's reputation, without a clear and conspicuous AI disclosure. A civil penalty applies for each day it is distributed without one.Within 90 days before an election at which the depicted candidate will appear on the ballot | No fixed wording: the statute requires "a clear and conspicuous disclosure that conveys to a reasonable person that the media includes content generated by artificial intelligence." It specifies no size or duration. | § 16-1024 applies to a person that acts as a creator: any person that uses AI or other digital technology to generate the media. A separate law, § 16-1023, lets a candidate or citizen ask a court to declare a digital impersonation fake. | A.R.S. 16-1024 Deepfakes, candidates, exemptions, civil liability, definitions |
| Arkansas | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: HB 1041 (2025) died in House committee when the session ended on May 5, 2025, and Public Citizen lists HB 1141 (2025) as failed in May 2025. | None stated | Nothing flaggedConfidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | Public Citizen tracker: state legislation on deepfakes in elections |
| California | In forceCal. Gov. Code § 84514 (AB 2355, Stats. 2024, ch. 260). Also Cal. Elec. Code §§ 20010 and 20012 | Requires a disclosure on any ad a committee creates, originally publishes or originally distributes that contains realistic image, audio or video generated or substantially altered using AI. It applies at any time, and cosmetic or color edits, cropping or resizing do not count. | "Ad generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence." It must be clear and conspicuous and be displayed or spoken in the manner prescribed for other ad disclosures in Gov. Code §§ 84504 to 84504.5, as applicable. | Kohls v. Bonta (August 29, 2025) held the 2024 text of a separate law, Elec. Code § 20012, unconstitutional. AB 502 rewrote it effective September 19, 2026 and no ruling on the new text was found. Section 84514 was not part of that case. | California Government Code § 84514 |
| Colorado | In forceC.R.S. §§ 1-46-101 to 1-46-106 (HB24-1147, Session Laws 2024, ch. 250) | Bans distributing a communication concerning a candidate that includes an AI deepfake, when the person knows or recklessly disregards that the candidate did not say or do what is depicted, unless it carries the required disclosure. Federal candidates in Colorado are included.Within 60 days before a primary or 90 days before a general election | "This (image/audio/video/multimedia) has been edited and depicts speech or conduct that falsely appears to be authentic or truthful." The metadata must also include the statement, the tool used to create the deepfake and the date and time it was created. | The first enforcement case, Kipp v. Independence Institute, went to a hearing officer on September 17, 2026 and is undecided. It tests whether a ballot measure ad depicting an officeholder is covered and how far the satire exemption goes. | Colorado Session Laws 2024, Chapter 250 (HB 24-1147) |
| Connecticut | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: HB 5342 (2026) did not pass before the session ended on May 6, 2026, and HB 6846 (2025), SB 2 and HB 5450 (2024) also failed. | None stated | Law-firm summaries of the 2026 general AI law (SB 5, Public Act 26-15) describe provenance duties for large generative AI providers, reported effective October 1, 2026, and no provision on elections or political advertising.Confidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | Public Citizen tracker: state legislation on deepfakes in elections |
| Delaware | In force15 Del. C. § 5145 (84 Del. Laws c. 487, HS 1 for HB 316) | Makes it a misdemeanor to distribute, or contract to distribute, a deep fake depicting a candidate or party with intent to injure them or deceive a voter. It applies when the depicted individual has not consented and the person knows or reasonably should know it is a deep fake.Within 90 days before an election | Not a violation if the media includes a disclosure stating: "This (image/video/audio) has been altered or artificially generated." Visual text must be easily readable and no smaller than the largest other text. Video: for the duration of the video. | Creation alone is not the prohibited act. Distributing a deep fake, or entering into a contract or other agreement to distribute one, is. A good-faith safe harbor for paid broadcasters has expired. | Delaware Code Title 15, Chapter 51, Subchapter II, § 5145 |
| District of Columbia | Bill pendingB26-0329 (Campaign Finance Modernization Amendment Act of 2025) | As introduced, the bill would require specific disclaimers on campaign material that uses artificial media and would ban distributing known artificial media within 90 days of an election. It was referred to committee on September 17, 2025 and no hearing or vote is listed. | None stated | Nothing flagged | D.C. Council, B26-0329 legislative history |
| Florida | In forceFla. Stat. § 106.145 (CS/HB 919, Laws of Fla. ch. 2024-126) | Requires a disclaimer on political ads with generative AI content that appears to show a real person doing something that did not occur, made with intent to injure a candidate or deceive about a ballot issue. It applies at any time, and omitting it is a first-degree misdemeanor. | Must prominently state: "Created in whole or in part with the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)." Video: clearly readable throughout and at least 4 percent of the vertical picture height. Print: bold font, at least 12 point. | Nothing flagged | Florida Statutes 2026, § 106.145 Use of artificial intelligence |
| Georgia | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: SB 9 died after the Senate disagreed to the House substitute on January 28, 2026, and HB 986 was tabled in the Senate on March 26, 2024 after passing the House. | None stated | Nothing flagged | Georgia General Assembly, SB 9 (2025-2026 Regular Session) |
| Hawaii | Blocked by a courtHaw. Rev. Stat. sections 11-303 and 11-304 (Act 191, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024) | The Act barred recklessly distributing an advertisement for or against a candidate or ballot issue, made with AI or digital technology, that a reasonable viewer or listener would believe shows a person saying or doing something they did not. A disclaimer was a safe harbor.From the first working day of February in every even-numbered year through the next general election | No fixed wording: a safe harbor applied if the media "includes a disclaimer informing the viewer that the media has been manipulated by technical means and depicts appearance, speech, or conduct that did not occur". Video: throughout the entire video. | The law was struck down on January 30, 2026 in The Babylon Bee, LLC v. Lopez. The court permanently barred the Attorney General, the Campaign Spending Commission and the Honolulu prosecutor from enforcing it. The State did not appeal. | The Babylon Bee, LLC v. Lopez (D. Haw.), order of January 30, 2026 |
| Idaho | In forceIdaho Code section 67-6628A (H.B. 664, 2024 Idaho Sess. Laws ch. 172) | A candidate depicted in synthetic media (realistic but false audio or video, not still images) in an electioneering communication may seek an injunction and sue whoever created or developed the content for damages. A prescribed disclosure is an affirmative defense.Within 30 days before a primary election or 60 days before a general election | A disclosure stating "This (video/audio) has been manipulated" is an affirmative defense. Video: prominent text for the duration of the video. Audio: read at the beginning, at the end and, if longer than two minutes, at intervals of no more than two minutes. | The definitions of candidate and public office do not list federal office, so the section appears not to reach ads about U.S. Senate or House candidates. No court or agency interpretation was found. | Idaho Code 67-6628A, Electioneering communications, use of synthetic mediaArchived copy read for this check |
| Illinois | Bill pendingH.B. 1832 (Senate Floor Amendment No. 3), S.B. 2996, S.B. 150, H.B. 1860 and H.B. 3303 | Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 to H.B. 1832 would require a clear and conspicuous statement on certain paid political ads generated in whole or substantially with AI. It was never adopted, and the bill was re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee on June 1, 2026. | None stated | No law is in force. The Senate's veto session days are November 17 to 19 and December 1 to 3, 2026, all after the November 3 election, so nothing can take effect for this election. | Illinois HB 1832, Senate Floor Amendment No. 3Archived copy read for this check |
| Indiana | In forceInd. Code 3-9-8 (House Enrolled Act 1133, Public Law 81-2024) | The law requires a prescribed disclaimer, year-round, on campaign communications with fabricated media depicting a candidate or elected official. That includes audio, images or video altered or artificially generated without consent in a way a reasonable person could not detect. | "Elements of this media have been digitally altered or artificially generated." Audio: read at the beginning, at the end and every two minutes if longer than two minutes. Video: displayed continuously for the duration of the communication. | The chapter names federal officeholders, but how it interacts with federal campaign finance law for federal candidates is not addressed in the text. | Indiana Code 2026, Title 3 (IC 3-9-8)Archived copy read for this check |
| Iowa | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: HF 2609 passed the House on March 12, 2026 and stalled in the Senate before the Legislature adjourned on May 3, 2026, and HF 2549 passed only the House in 2024. | None stated | Nothing flagged | Iowa Legislature, Bill History for House File 2609 (91st GA) |
| Kansas | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 3, 2026: HB 2559 was reported favorably by the House Committee on Elections on February 12, 2024 and never passed, SB 375 (2023-2024) died, and no election-deepfake bill was found in 2025-2026. | None stated | Nothing flagged | Kansas Legislature, HB 2559 (2023-2024) |
| Kentucky | In forceKRS 117.322 (Senate Bill 4, 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 66, amended by 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 161) | A candidate depicted in synthetic media (realistic but false audio or video, not still images) in an electronic electioneering communication may go to court to require the communication to include a disclosure. The sponsor who paid for it is the one sued.Within 45 days before a primary or regular election | No fixed wording: a disclosure "that is clear and conspicuous and included in, or alongside and associated with, the content in a manner that is likely to be noticed by the user" is an affirmative defense. | The electioneering communication definition lists state, county, city or district office and does not mention federal office. Whether it reaches ads about federal candidates is not stated in the text and no interpretation was found. | Kentucky Revised Statutes 117.322 |
| Louisiana | In forceLa. R.S. 18:1463(F) (Act No. 806 of the 2026 Regular Session, House Bill 459) | The law requires a clear and understandable disclosure on electioneering communications created or altered with AI that portray a state or local candidate or an official subject to recall. It applies if they falsely appear to be an authentic record of what the person said or did. | No fixed wording: "a clear and understandable disclosure on the electioneering communication that it was created using artificial intelligence", in a form consistent with the disclosure requirements of R.S. 18:1463(E). | Federal candidates are not covered. In effect since August 1, 2026. A companion law (Act 559) requires campaign phone calls created with AI that use a public figure's voice to say so at the start of the call. | Louisiana Act No. 806 of 2026 (HB 459), enrolled actArchived copy read for this check |
| Maine | In force21-A M.R.S. section 1014(5-C) (Public Law 2025, chapter 593, L.D. 517) | The law requires a prescribed statement on paid campaign communications that contain synthetic media. Synthetic media is an image, audio or video of a candidate, not limited to AI, that is likely to deceive a reasonable person about what the candidate said or did.28 days before a primary, 35 before a special election, Labor Day to general election day. Express advocacy: any time | "THIS COMMUNICATION CONTAINS AUDIO, VIDEO AND/OR IMAGES THAT HAVE BEEN MANIPULATED OR ALTERED." Clear and conspicuous. Television: font at least four percent of picture height for at least four seconds. Other visual communications: 12-point or larger. | It applies to candidates for state and county offices and certain municipal offices. Federal candidates' campaigns are outside the Ethics Commission's jurisdiction. In effect since July 29, 2026. | Maine Legislature, Public Law 2025, chapter 593 (H.P. 335, L.D. 517) |
| Maryland | In forceMd. Code Ann., Election Law § 16-905 (SB 141 of 2026, Chapter 444) | Makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly or with reckless disregard create, use, or disseminate a deepfake to produce materially false information meant to sway a vote, discourage voting, or misstate election facts, where it harms or is meant to harm a voter or a petition. | None stated | In force since June 1, 2026. The law has no disclosure safe harbor and no pre-election window, and it covers the creator as well as the distributor. A disclaimer does not by itself make a prohibited deepfake lawful. | Maryland Chapter 444 of 2026 (SB 141) |
| Massachusetts | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found in force: bills H 5093 (deceptive synthetic media near elections) and H 5094 (AI disclosure labels on political ads) passed the House in February 2026 and stalled after referral to Senate Ways and Means on February 12, 2026. | None stated | A 2024 provision (Acts of 2024, Chapter 238, Section 297), a 90-day ban with a label safe harbor, was repealed effective February 1, 2025. Ballotpedia still counts Massachusetts among states that had enacted a political deepfake law.Confidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | Massachusetts Acts of 2024, Chapter 238 |
| Michigan | In forceMCL 169.259 (AI disclosure in paid political ads), MCL 168.932f (materially deceptive media ban) | Requires a disclosure on any paid political ad that contains image, audio, or video generated in whole or substantially with AI, deceptive or not. It covers ads about a candidate for federal, state, or local office in Michigan, an election to such office, or a ballot question.Disclosure rule: no window. Prohibition (MCL 168.932f): within 90 days before an election. | No fixed wording: a clear and conspicuous statement that the ad "was generated in whole or substantially by artificial intelligence". Video with audio: on screen for at least 4 seconds and spoken clearly at the beginning or end for at least 3 seconds. | State officials said in June and July 2026 the disclosure rule is not applied to federal candidates. MCL 168.932f makes it a crime to knowingly distribute materially deceptive AI media within 90 days before an election without a disclaimer.Confidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | MCL 169.259 (Michigan Campaign Finance Act) |
| Minnesota | In forceMinn. Stat. § 609.771 (Use of Deep Fake Technology to Influence an Election) | Makes it a crime to disseminate a deep fake, or agree to disseminate one, knowing or with reckless disregard about whether it is a deep fake, without the depicted person's consent and with intent to injure a candidate or influence an election. There is no disclosure safe harbor.Within 90 days before a party nominating convention, or after absentee voting starts for a primary or general election | None stated | No court has enjoined the law. On February 9, 2026, in Kohls v. Ellison, the Eighth Circuit affirmed the denial of a preliminary injunction without reaching the First Amendment merits. That case and X Corp. v. Ellison are still pending. | Minn. Stat. § 609.771, 2025 Minnesota Statutes, Office of the Revisor of Statutes |
| Mississippi | In forceSB 2577 (2024), Chapter 467, Laws of 2024, reported as Miss. Code Ann. § 97-13-47 | Makes it a crime to disseminate a digitization (commonly called a deepfake), or contract to disseminate one, knowing it is a digitization, without the depicted individual's consent and with intent to injure a candidate, influence an election, or deter any person from voting.Within 90 days of an election | No fixed wording: no label is mandatory, but "Clear and prominent language displayed throughout the digitization that informs the viewer that the depicted individual did not engage in the depicted speech and/or conduct shall be a defense to prosecution." | The contract language could arguably reach a studio contracted to make content for dissemination (untested). SB 2050, an AI disclosure bill for political ads that some sites wrongly call enacted, died in a House committee on March 3, 2026.Confidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | SB 2577 (As Sent to Governor), 2024 Regular Session, Mississippi Legislature |
| Missouri | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found: SB 1012, which would have required an AI disclaimer on political ads, failed in a House committee on May 12, 2026, and SB 1183 and HB 1747 (2026), SB 509 and HB 673 (2025) and HB 2628 and SB 1444 (2024) did not pass. | None stated | A separate law, RSMo 573.570 (HB 2273), effective August 28, 2026, covers only sexually explicit digital depictions. It raises the penalty if one could affect the administration of an election but does not touch ordinary campaign ads. | Missouri House, SB 1012 (2026) |
| Montana | In forceMont. Code Ann. §§ 13-35-801 to 13-35-804 (SB 25, Chapter 541, Laws of Montana 2025) | Bars a person or entity working in an official election capacity from paying for or sponsoring an election or electioneering communication it knew or should have known is a deepfake of a candidate or party on the ballot, unless the required disclosure is included.Within 60 days of the initiation of voting (not defined in the statute) in an election with a candidate on the ballot | "This _____ (image/audio/video/multimedia) has been significantly edited by artificial intelligence and depicts speech or conduct that falsely appears to be authentic or truthful". Video: clearly readable throughout, at least 4% of the vertical picture height. | On September 16, 2026, in Accountability in State Government v. Knudsen, a federal judge found the law likely unconstitutional and granted a preliminary injunction for the named plaintiffs only. It remains enforceable against everyone else. | MCA 13-35-802 Use of deepfakes in election communications, disclosure requirements, exceptions |
| Nebraska | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found: LB 615, a bill to prohibit distributing deepfakes, was indefinitely postponed on April 17, 2026, and LB 1203, a 2024 bill on AI disclosure in political ads, is listed as indefinitely postponed in April 2024. | None stated | Nothing flaggedConfidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | Unicameral Update (Nebraska Legislature), session review of May 15, 2026 |
| Nevada | In forceNRS 294A.3493 (AB 73, Chapter 224, Statutes of Nevada 2025) | Requires a disclosure on a communication made or paid for to support or oppose a candidate or party, influence an election, or solicit contributions, if it includes synthetic media: a realistic but false AI-manipulated image, audio, or video of a person. It applies at all times. | "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated." Disclosed in a clear and conspicuous manner. Video: for the entire duration. Audio only: read at the beginning, at the end and, if longer than 2 minutes, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. | In force since January 1, 2026. It applies to whoever made or paid for the communication. The statute exempts a programmer or producer of radio or television broadcasting content, which may or may not cover an outside ad production studio. | NRS Chapter 294A, NRS 294A.3493 and 294A.420 |
| New Hampshire | In forceRSA 664:14-c (HB 1596, 2024 N.H. Laws ch. 345), with related RSA 638:26-a | Prohibits distributing, within 90 days of an election, a message created using AI that the distributor knows or should have known is a deepfake of a candidate, election official, or party on the state or local ballot, unless it carries the statutory disclosure.Within 90 days of an election at which a candidate for elective office will appear on the ballot | "This __________ has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence technology and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur." The blank is filled by Image, Video, or Audio. Video: shown for the duration, no smaller than the largest other text. | A separate law, RSA 638:26-a, makes it a class B felony to knowingly create, distribute, or present a deepfake of an identifiable person to defame or otherwise harm them. It reaches the creator and has no disclosure safe harbor.Confidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | RSA 664:14-c Synthetic Media and Deceptive and Fraudulent Deepfakes |
| New Jersey | Bill pendingS2129/A3585, A4741/S3702 and A4163 (2026-2027 session) | S2129/A3585 would impose a criminal penalty for disclosing certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of an election. A4741/S3702 and A4163 target AI campaign communications and deepfake ads. Each was only introduced and sent to committee in 2026. | None stated | A 2025 general law, P.L.2025, c.40, makes it a crime to create or share deceptive audio or visual media to further another crime or offense. It is not limited to elections and sets no labeling rule for campaign ads. | New Jersey Legislature bill data service, history of S2129 (2026 session) |
| New Mexico | In forceNMSA 1978, §§ 1-19-26.4 and 1-19-26.8 (HB 182, Laws 2024, ch. 57) | Requires a disclaimer on an ad about a candidate or ballot question with AI-made media of a person, used without consent, showing conduct or speech that did not happen. Knowingly distributing such media without it within 90 days before an election to mislead voters is a crime.The ad disclaimer applies at any time. The distribution ban applies within 90 days before an election | "This ____ has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence" with the blank filled with image, video or audio. It must be clear and conspicuous in every language used in the ad, and on video for its whole duration. | The Act's definition of election excludes federal elections, so coverage of ads about U.S. House or Senate candidates is unresolved. The Babylon Bee v. Castillo, a challenge filed August 11, 2026, had no ruling by October 4, 2026. | NMOneSource, Chapter 1 NMSA 1978, Elections |
| New York | In forceN.Y. Election Law § 14-106(5) (L.2024, ch. 58, Part MM, amended by L.2024, ch. 169) | Requires anyone who distributes or publishes a political communication with realistic manipulated or AI-made media, and actually knows it is deceptive, to disclose that use. It applies at any time and has no fine. A depicted candidate can sue for an injunction and fees. | "This (image, video, or audio) has been manipulated". Visual text must be no smaller than other text in the media. Audio must state it at the beginning and end, and every two minutes in audio longer than two minutes. | Nothing flagged | New York State Senate, Laws of New York, Election Law § 14-106 |
| North Carolina | Bill pendingH375, H934 and H1161 (2025-2026 session) | H375 would bar deceptive deepfakes of candidates within 90 days before an election unless they carry AI disclosures. H1161 would ban AI in political ads. H375 was sent to committees on March 13, 2025, H934 was re-referred on May 6, 2025 and H1161 was referred on May 4, 2026. | None stated | Nothing flaggedConfidence: medium. Not every point in this row could be confirmed at the primary source. | North Carolina General Assembly, House Bill 375, First Edition |
| North Dakota | In forceN.D.C.C. § 16.1-10-04.2 (HB 1167, 2025) | Requires political communications and ads that use AI to visually or audibly impersonate a human to state a set disclaimer. It applies year-round, with no exemption for satire or news. A violation is a class A misdemeanor under the chapter's general penalty. | "THIS CONTENT GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE." The content "prominently must state" it. The statute sets no size, duration, placement or audio rules. | The section names no responsible party. The chapter's penalty applies to any person violating it, so it is not limited to the sponsor. | North Dakota Century Code, chapter 16.1-10, Corrupt Practices |
| Ohio | Bill pendingHB 1000, HB 362 and HB 185 (136th General Assembly) | HB 362 would bar spreading deceptive synthetic media in the 90 days before an election without an AI disclosure. HB 1000 also targets such media and was introduced September 2, 2026 with no other action. HB 362 and HB 185 are in House committees. | None stated | Nothing flagged | Ohio Legislature, H. B. No. 362 As Introduced |
| Oklahoma | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found as of October 4, 2026: HB 3299, SB 894 and SB 746 died when the Legislature adjourned on May 14, 2026, and HB 3825 and SB 1655 failed in 2024. | None stated | Nothing flagged | Oklahoma Legislature, Bill Information for HB 3299 (2026 Regular Session) |
| Oregon | In forceORS 260.268 (SB 1571, Oregon Laws 2024, ch. 62) | Requires campaign communications with realistic AI-manipulated images, audio or video of a person to disclose the manipulation. The Secretary of State enforces it, with a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Satire, parody and paid broadcasters and platforms are excluded.Any time for advocacy. For mere mentions, 60 days before a primary or 120 days before a general election | No fixed wording: the statute requires "a disclosure stating that the image, audio recording or video recording has been manipulated." It sets no format. | No ruling has addressed whether the section reaches ads about federal candidates. Oregon Public Broadcasting reported on July 9, 2026 that the Secretary of State was investigating AI videos posted during a U.S. House primary. | Oregon Revised Statutes, chapter 260 (2025 Edition)Archived copy read for this check |
| Pennsylvania | Bill pendingHB 811, SB 1332 and HB 486 (2025-2026 session) | HB 811 would create civil liability for knowingly disseminating a campaign ad with a deepfake within 90 days before an election unless it has a set disclosure. It passed the House 203-0 on June 23, 2025 and has been in a Senate committee since June 24, 2025. | None stated | A general 2025 law, Act 35 (18 Pa.C.S. § 4101.1), makes it a crime to create and distribute a forged digital likeness of a real person as genuine with intent to defraud or injure. It is not an election ad rule. | Pennsylvania General Assembly, HB 811, Printer's No. 1819 |
| Rhode Island | In forceR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-30-1 to 17-30-4 (P.L. 2025, ch. 409 and ch. 410) | Bars candidates, campaign committees, political action committees, party committees and independent spenders from distributing deceptive synthetic media of a person unless it carries an AI disclosure. The depicted candidate can sue. There is no fine or criminal penalty.Within 90 days of any election at which a candidate for elective office will appear on a ballot | No fixed wording: the ban does not apply if the media includes "a disclosure stating that the image has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence." Visual text must be no smaller than the largest other text, and video shows it throughout. | Only candidates, campaign committees, political action committees, party committees and independent spenders are covered. The chapter does not name vendors, consultants or production companies. | Rhode Island General Laws § 17-30-1, Deceptive synthetic mediaArchived copy read for this check |
| South Carolina | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found. H. 3517 (2025-2026 session) had no action after referral to the House Judiciary Committee on January 14, 2025, and H. 4660 (2023-2024 session) had none after referral to the same committee on January 9, 2024. | None stated | Nothing flagged | South Carolina Legislature, H. 3517 bill text and history |
| South Dakota | In forceSDCL 12-26-32 to 12-26-37 (Senate Bill 164, 2025 S.D. Sess. Laws ch. 68) | The law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to disseminate a deepfake, or agree to disseminate one, with intent to injure a candidate, if the person knows or reasonably should know it is a deepfake and it lacks the statutory disclosure. Injunctions and damages are also available.Within 90 days of an election | "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence." Image or video: text easily readable and no smaller than the largest other text, superimposed over each deepfake. Audio: read clearly at the beginning and end. | The chapter defines election to include any election to nominate or elect a United States, state or local officer. The law is not limited to paid advertising, and the statute does not separately name the creator or producer. | South Dakota Codified Laws, chapter 12-26 |
| Tennessee | In forceTenn. Code Ann. 2-19-120(a)(6) (House Bill 1513, Public Chapter 625 of 2026) | The law requires a prescribed disclaimer on political ads covered by the state disclaimer law that contain a deepfake impersonating a candidate in audio, or depicting a candidate in video, in speech or action the candidate did not engage in. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor.Non-incumbent candidates: within 120 days of the initiation of voting in their election. Incumbents: no window stated | Audio: "This communication contains fake content impersonating speech that did not occur." Video: "This communication contains fake content depicting actions that did not occur." If both, the ending is "depicting actions and speech that did not occur." | Whether it reaches ads about federal candidates is unsettled: the act says "candidate for elected office", a congressional campaign has said federal law governs, and no court or agency ruling was found. In effect since July 1, 2026. | Tennessee Public Chapter 625 (HB 1513), signed act |
| Texas | In forceTex. Elec. Code 255.004(d)-(e) (Senate Bill 751, Acts 2019, ch. 1339) | The law makes it a Class A misdemeanor to create a deep fake video and cause it to be published or distributed, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election. Audio-only content and still images are not covered, and there is no disclosure safe harbor.Within 30 days of an election | None stated | It reaches only a person who both creates the video and causes it to be published or distributed. Ex parte Stafford (September 4, 2024) held the neighboring 255.004(b) facially unconstitutional and does not rule on the deep fake provision. | Texas Election Code, chapter 255 |
| Utah | In forceUtah Code 20A-11-1104 (Senate Bill 131, Laws of Utah 2024, ch. 172) | The law requires prescribed labels on audio or visual ads with content substantially produced by generative AI, deceptive or not, when paid for by a committee, party or person using a contribution to influence a Utah election. Online ads also require embedded content provenance. | Audio, at the beginning and end: "Contains content generated by AI." In legible writing: video "This video content generated by AI", image "This image generated by AI", audio in video "This audio content generated by AI", both "This content generated by AI". | Liability reaches the creator, a person that uses artificial intelligence to generate the synthetic media, as well as the sponsor that pays for the content. Both can face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation. | Utah Code 20A-11-1104 |
| Vermont | In force17 V.S.A. 2031 to 2033 (Act 75 of 2026, S.23) | The law bars distributing synthetic media a person knows is deceptive and fraudulent unless it carries a prescribed disclosure. That covers a realistic depiction that injures a candidate's reputation or attempts to unduly influence an election with materially false information.Within 90 days before an election in Vermont | "This media has been manipulated or generated by digital technology and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur." Visual media: easily readable text, for a video's full duration. Audio: read clearly at the beginning and end and at least every two minutes. | In Poitras v. Clark (September 4, 2026) a federal court granted a narrow, as-applied preliminary injunction that blocks enforcement against one plaintiff over one video. The law otherwise remains in force. A facial challenge is pending. | Vermont Act 75 (2026), as enacted |
| Virginia | Bill pendingHB 868 (2026 session, carried over to 2027) | Per its official summary, HB 868 would bar publishing or broadcasting electioneering communications that contain synthetic media unless they carry a conspicuously displayed statement. It was continued to the 2027 session in House Privileges and Elections on February 6, 2026. | None stated | No law is in force and nothing can apply to the November 3, 2026 election absent a special session. Two 2025 bills were vetoed and the vetoes sustained on April 2, 2025. SB 141 failed to pass from conference on March 14, 2026. | Virginia Legislative Information System, 2026 session bill summaries |
| Washington | In forceRCW 29B.35.010 to 29B.35.030 (Laws of 2023, ch. 360, formerly RCW 42.62.020 to 42.62.040) | A candidate depicted in synthetic media (a realistic but false image, audio or video) in an electioneering communication worth $1,000 or more may seek an injunction and sue the sponsor for damages. A prescribed disclosure is an affirmative defense, and the law is civil only.Effectively the 60 days before an election, because the law applies only to electioneering communications | "This (image/video/audio) has been manipulated." Visual media: easily readable text, for the duration of a video. Audio: read clearly at the beginning and end and at least every two minutes. It may not replace the standard sponsor disclaimers. | Federal-office candidates are not covered: the definition lists state, local and judicial offices. On the statute's face, ads paid for by a candidate's own authorized committee are excluded, though how that is read was not confirmed. | RCW chapter 29B.35, Electioneering communications: use of synthetic media |
| West Virginia | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found. HB 4963 passed the House on February 27, 2024 and died in Senate Judiciary, SB 484 had no action after March 4, 2025, and HB 4496, on AI-created videos generally, had none after January 19, 2026. | None stated | Nothing flagged | West Virginia Legislature, SB 484 (2025 Regular Session) bill history |
| Wisconsin | In forceWis. Stat. 11.1303(2m) (2023 Wisconsin Act 123, 2023 Assembly Bill 664) | The law requires prescribed labels on paid political audio and video containing content substantially produced in whole or in part by generative AI, deceptive or not. Still images are not covered, and an intentional violation carries a forfeiture (civil penalty) of up to $1,000. | Audio, at the beginning and end: "Contains content generated by AI." Video, in readable writing throughout each part with synthetic media: "This video content generated by AI", "This audio content generated by AI" or, if both, "This content generated by AI". | Nothing flagged | Wis. Stat. 11.1303 |
| Wyoming | No law found | No election-specific law on synthetic media was found. SF 51, a general consumer-protection bill on misleading synthetic media, passed the Senate on February 27, 2024 and died in a House committee on March 5, 2024. | None stated | A 2026 law, HB 102 (effective July 1, 2026), covers synthetic sexual material and other AI offenses and does not address elections. Its title mentions censoring political speech, but the enrolled text has no section on political speech. | Wyoming Legislature, SF0051 (2024) bill page |
Selected platform disclosure references
| Platform | Disclosure reference | Boundary | Source Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads | In-scope election ads depicting synthetic or altered realistic people or events require the altered/synthetic checkbox. Google adds notices for specified formats; other formats need advertiser-added prominent disclosure. | US election verification and region restrictions apply. Legal sponsor notices remain separate. | |
| Meta | Its 2026 notice retains advertiser self-disclosure for AI-created or altered political, electoral and social issue ads in certain cases. | Confirm the exact current disclosure trigger and placement requirements; a platform-added label is not legal clearance. | |
| YouTube uploads | Meaningfully altered or generated photorealistic content requires creator disclosure, including realistic scenes that did not occur. | The upload setting is separate from Google Ads election settings. Check both for a paid placement. | |
| Roku-sold inventory | Roku bars deepfakes and requires a synthetic-generation notice for synthetically generated images or sound. | Its political-ad rules bar payment by foreign entities or nationals. Third-party channels have separate rules. Filmito does not buy or publish ads. |
Florida in detail: one statute read field by field
The table above gives one row per state. This section reads one statute field by field, to show how much a single row has to leave out. It summarizes statutory wording only; agency interpretation and federal-candidate applicability are not settled by the text.
Only the stated trigger is summarized. A disclaimer does not authorize impersonation, invented evidence or otherwise prohibited content. Filmito's proposed safeguards remain stricter; this example does not describe work Filmito will accept.
| Field | Statutory reference | Source Check |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Covered political content uses generative AI to depict a real person doing something that did not occur, with intent to injure a candidate or deceive about a ballot issue. | |
| Required wording | Created in whole or in part with the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). | |
| Video and audio | Video notice: readable throughout, at least 4% of vertical picture height. Any audio component: notice at least 3 seconds, clearly audible at its beginning or end. | |
| Window and exemptions | Section 106.145 states no election-day window or express satire exception. Other chapter disclaimers remain required. Do not infer broader exemptions. |
Keep a disclosure record with the assets
- Inventory every shot and audio track: actual recording, licensed asset, synthetic illustration or edited source.
- Record the source, rights, real-person permissions and what was altered.
- Have the campaign and counsel determine applicable jurisdiction, trigger, exact notice, placement and audio requirements.
- Keep AI notices separate from payer and candidate-approval statements.
- Recheck the final exported files and campaign-operated platform settings before release.
- Hold any disputed claim, unverified jurisdiction or missing reviewer approval.
Sources and review status
Compiled with AI-assisted research from the official sources linked on this page, checked on 3 and 4 October 2026. A lawyer has not reviewed it. This is a production reference, not legal advice, a compliance certification or permission to book or publish an ad.
Filmito production references come from the existing local rate card and proposed safeguards. They have not been validated as a permissible U.S. service offering.
- FEC: AI rulemaking disposition and interpretive rule (2024)
Historical official action checked. It describes technology-neutral fraudulent misrepresentation, not a general AI-label mandate or permission to use deepfakes.
- FCC 24-74: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (2024)
Official indexed proposal text checked. Direct PDF fetch failed. A later final order and current docket status were not established in this pass.
- Google Ads: Political content policy
Official live policy, including US verification, sponsor notices and synthetic-content disclosure. Eligibility varies by region and placement.
- Meta: Preparing for the 2026 US midterm elections
Official post published 19 February 2026, updated 1 June 2026. Confirms final-week restriction and prior-impression condition, not an exact cutoff hour.
- YouTube: Disclosing use of GenAI content
Official upload disclosure guidance. Organic-video disclosure is separate from Google Ads election-ad settings.
- Roku: Political advertising guidelines
Live official page marked Updated 2024. Applies to inventory Roku sells, not every third-party channel on Roku.
- Florida Legislature: 2026 Statutes, section 106.145
Current official statutory text opened. Court status, agency interpretations and applicability to federal candidates are not verified here.
Change Log
: Initial AI-assisted local draft. Coverage limits and unresolved claims are stated above. Human editorial and counsel review are pending.
: State-by-state table added. Each row was researched at primary sources, re-verified in a second independent pass, then condensed and checked against the verified text. Same limits: AI-assisted, no counsel review yet.
Corrections: shivam@filmito.io. Include the guide URL, the specific sentence and a current official source. Do not send voter data or identity documents.