In one paragraph
Iowa's SF 2166 would prohibit knowingly or recklessly publishing an electioneering communication containing AI-manipulated synthetic media within 90 days of an election unless it carries a required AI disclaimer. Civil penalties are up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for later ones; knowing violation with intent to defraud is a serious misdemeanor. Referred to Senate State Government January 29, 2026; subcommittee named February 3, 2026; it has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, campaigns and others publishing election communications within 90 days of an election would need AI disclaimers or face civil penalties and possible criminal charges.
Key provisions
- Electioneering communication means published material referring to a clearly identified candidate or ballot issue distributed within ninety days before the election.
- Synthetic media is an image, audio, text or video that is materially deceptive and created or substantially altered using AI, machine learning or similar technology.
- Required disclaimer: "THIS CONTENT HAS BEEN MANIPULATED OR GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DOES NOT DEPICT REAL EVENTS," with format rules by medium (video text at least four seconds at start and end; audio spoken at start and end).
- Exemptions: bona fide news reporting that questions authenticity; satire, parody or editorial content not intended to deceive; platforms that provide tools to label AI content.
- Penalties: civil penalty up to $1,000 first offense and $5,000 each later offense; serious misdemeanor for knowing violation with intent to defraud; injured persons may sue for injunctive relief and damages, with attorney fees to the prevailing party.
- The board adopts rules prioritizing education and voluntary compliance; no effective date is stated. Status: subcommittee assigned February 3, 2026.
Latest legislative action
Feb 3, 2026. Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Drey, and Schultz. S.J. 191.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 11)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| BOUSSELOT | Primary |
| Brown | Primary |
| C. Johnson | Primary |
| COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY | Primary |
| Kapucian | 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