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MA S44: To protect against election misinformation

In Committee Massachusetts · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 21, 2026 · official bill text

S44 · where it stands

1 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced In committee
  2. Passed first chamber
  3. Passed both chambers
  4. Enacted
  5. Effective
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Massachusetts S44 would bar distributing, with actual malice, a materially deceptive election-related communication within 90 days of an election, with injunctions and damages as remedies; it defines synthetic media as audio or video substantially produced by generative AI. On October 16, 2025 it accompanied new draft S2631, which was referred to Senate Ways and Means that day.

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, anyone distributing deceptive election messages within 90 days of an election could face injunctions and damages suits.

Key provisions

  1. Adds G.L. c. 56, s. 42A: within 90 days of an election with a candidate on the ballot, no person may distribute, with actual malice, a materially deceptive election-related communication intended to mislead voters.
  2. The covered communication contains verifiably false information about election date, time or place, registration or voting requirements and deadlines, certifications, or false endorsements; synthetic media is audio or video substantially produced by generative AI.
  3. The Attorney General or a person whose voice or likeness appears may seek an injunction; that person may sue for general or special damages; the plaintiff must prove a violation by clear and convincing evidence.
  4. Exempts 47 U.S.C. s. 230 providers, bona fide broadcast news and periodicals that disclose manipulation, and satire and parody; the bill sets no fines, criminal penalties or effective date.

Latest legislative action

Oct 16, 2025. Accompanied a new draft, see S2631

Sponsors (showing 5 of 24)

NameRole
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Cosponsor

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

Affected industries

MediaTechnology

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

Related AI laws in Massachusetts

All Massachusetts bills →
H846 Enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising S2631 To protect against election misinformation H5094 An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advert H4744 An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation H74 Relative to the contracting of digital replicas S2963 An Act relative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the

Same topic in other states

Indiana HB1133 Use of digitally altered media in elections Idaho H0664 ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS – Freedom From AI-Rigged (FAIR) Elections Act: rel Texas SB751 Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for fabricating a deceptive video Rhode Island H5872 Relating to Elections -- Deceptive and Fraudulent Synthetic Media in Election Co California AB686 Elections: deceptive audio or visual media. New York S9678 Relates to requiring certain notice and disclosure regarding materially deceptiv