In one paragraph
Georgia's HB 1399 (2026), the Georgia Likeness, Expression, Generative AI, and Commercial Yield (LEGACY) Act, would have given every individual a property right in their likeness and required the individual's written consent to create, distribute or exploit a digital replica of them for commercial purposes. Aggrieved individuals could have sued for damages, punitive damages and injunctions. It was read the second time in the House February 24, 2026 and died when the session adjourned April 2, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass. It would have required advertisers, media and AI companies to get written consent before using AI-generated replicas of a person's likeness for commercial purposes, with civil liability including punitive damages.
Key provisions
- Would have added Article 38 to Chapter 1 of Title 10 (§§ 10-1-970 to 10-1-973)
- Digital replica: a highly realistic electronic representation, created or altered by generative AI or another computer system, that is an exact copy, imitation or close approximation of an individual's likeness in a recording or work where they did not perform, or where their performance was materially altered
- Every individual, living or deceased, would have had a property right to their likeness that is transferable, licensable and descendible, and survives death for 50 years
- Post-mortem use would have required consent given during life or by the estate or a legal representative
- Creating, distributing or exploiting a digital replica for commercial purposes would have required the individual's written, specific consent; consent is not implied by silence or general terms, and lack of payment does not remove the requirement
- An entity that knowingly kept distributing a digital replica after notice of no consent would have violated the article; digital replicas could not falsely imply endorsement
- Aggrieved individuals could have recovered actual and punitive damages, equitable relief, and attorney's fees and costs
- Would have taken effect July 1, 2026; second-read in the House February 24, 2026 and died at adjournment April 2, 2026
Latest legislative action
Feb 24, 2026. House Second Readers
Sponsors (showing 5 of 7)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Carl Gilliard D | Primary |
| David Knight | Primary |
| El-Mahdi Holly D | Primary |
| Long Tran D | Primary |
| Matthew Gambill R | 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