In one paragraph
Missouri's HB 2321 (AI-Generated Content Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2026), as introduced, would make it a crime to knowingly publish or distribute algorithmically generated or altered content depicting a person without that person's consent (up to two years or $20,000, or both), with higher penalties for sexual content or distribution through online platforms, and exceptions for art, parody, satire and research. A House committee substitute was reported do pass on February 26, 2026 (filed under primary bill HB 1887; not reviewed here), but the bill died when the 2026 regular session ended in May 2026 without being truly agreed to and finally passed.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass and is not law. Had it passed, anyone knowingly publishing AI-altered content depicting a person without consent, including via online platforms, would have faced criminal penalties.
Key provisions
- As introduced, would create section 1.2052 and define "algorithmically generated or altered content" as images, video or audio wholly or substantially created or altered by automated means in a way that materially changes a person's appearance, voice or likeness
- Would punish knowingly publishing such content depicting an individual without consent by up to two years' imprisonment or a fine up to $20,000, or both; up to $50,000 if through an online public communication platform
- Would punish creating or distributing such content of a sexual or pornographic nature without consent by up to two years or $65,000 (three years or $80,000 via a platform; five years or $110,000 if serious harm results)
- Would exempt clearly artistic, parodic, satirical, public-interest or educational content carrying a clear notice that it is artificially generated; content made or shared without intent to harm that causes no material injury; and bona fide research, journalism or testing with safeguards and disclosure
- Would require the attorney general to report to the General Assembly by August 28, 2028 on penalties, definitions and free-speech impact
- Not enacted: a House committee substitute (filed under primary bill HB 1887) was reported do pass (10-0, 1 present) on February 26, 2026; the captured text is the introduced version
Latest legislative action
Feb 26, 2026. HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 10 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 1; died when the Missouri General Assembly's 2026 session ended May 15, 2026
Sponsors (showing 5 of 7)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bill Lucas R | Primary |
| Jeff Farnan R | Primary |
| Knight, Jeff R | Primary |
| McDaniel, Andrew | Primary |
| Price IV, Wiley | 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