In one paragraph
New Jersey's A3585 would make it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly or recklessly disclose, or to solicit, intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (deepfakes) within 90 days of an election with intent to deceive a voter with false information; a repeat offense would be third-degree. Voters and depicted candidates could sue, and media carrying a prescribed disclaimer would be excepted.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Anyone, including media and advertising businesses, who knowingly or recklessly discloses election deepfakes within 90 days of an election could be prosecuted; platforms, AI developers, carriers and news outlets in the listed roles are excepted.
Key provisions
- Section 2(a): disclosing, or soliciting, deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of an election, knowingly or recklessly and with intent to deceive a voter, is a fourth-degree crime; a repeat offense is third-degree (fourth degree: up to 18 months and a fine up to $10,000; third degree: three to five years and a fine up to $15,000, per the Statement).
- Section 2(b): not applicable to solely de minimis alterations or media carrying the disclaimer 'This work contains manipulated images or sound.', shown for the full duration of video or images or read aloud at the start of audio.
- Section 2(c): a registered voter eligible in the election may seek injunctive or equitable relief by Order to Show Cause; a candidate whose voice or likeness is used may seek injunctions and damages; clear and convincing evidence is required and a prevailing plaintiff may recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
- Section 2(d): exceptions for labeled criticism, satire, parody, news and scholarship; interactive computer service providers, cloud providers and commercial AI developers not deemed publishers or speakers under 47 U.S.C. s.230; ad channels that only sell ad time or space; news outlets reporting newsworthy facts with a disclaimer; and disclosures to law enforcement or under subpoena.
- Section 3: takes effect immediately.
Latest legislative action
Jan 13, 2026. Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 28)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Greenwald, Louis D. | Primary |
| Gusciora, Reed | Primary |
| Holley, Jamel C. | Primary |
| Karabinchak, Robert J. | Primary |
| Lampitt, Pamela 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