In one paragraph
Did not pass. HB 5342 would have barred distributing deceptive synthetic media (AI-altered or fake images, audio or video of a person) within 90 days before a Connecticut election or primary, without the person's consent and with intent to injure a candidate or sway the result, unless it carried a 'manipulated' disclaimer. Violations would have been crimes, from a class C misdemeanor to a class D felony for repeat offenses, and the Attorney General, depicted people and candidates could have sued. It cleared two committees but never got a House vote; the page previously showed it as passed by one chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass. Connecticut has no election deepfake disclosure rule from it.
Key provisions
- Would have banned distributing deceptive synthetic media within 90 days of an election or primary when made without consent and intended to injure a candidate or influence the result
- Safe harbor with a 'manipulated' disclaimer: visible text for images and video, spoken at start, end and every 30 seconds for audio, plus a citation to the original when edited
- Penalties: class C misdemeanor for audiences over 1,000; class A for intent to cause violence or audiences over 10,000; class D felony for a repeat offense within 5 years
- Injunctions and damages suits by the Attorney General, depicted individuals or injured candidates, proved by clear and convincing evidence
- Exempt: parody and satire, legally required candidate ads, news coverage that keeps or adds the disclaimer, and internet, cable and satellite carriers
- Joint favorable reports from Government Administration and Elections and Judiciary; tabled for the House calendar April 20, 2026 with no vote
Latest legislative action
Apr 20, 2026. Tabled for the Calendar, House; no further action before the session adjourned
Sponsors (showing 5 of 19)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Hector Arzeno | Primary |
| Hubert D. Delany | Primary |
| Jaime S. Foster | Primary |
| Jennifer Leeper | Primary |
| John-michael Parker | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error