In one paragraph
SB 1624 is the Senate companion of HB 1513, which became Tennessee Public Chapter 625 after the Senate passed the House bill in its place on March 12, 2026. The law requires political ads that contain a deepfake of a candidate to say so: audio must state at the start and end that it contains fake content, and video must show a large notice for its full length. For non-incumbents, it covers ads within 120 days before voting begins. Platforms and paid broadcasters are not liable unless they created the deepfake; violations are a Class C misdemeanor. Effective July 1, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Campaigns, PACs and ad producers running Tennessee political ads with a deepfake of a candidate must add the required disclaimer from July 1, 2026. Platforms and paid broadcasters are not liable unless they created the deepfake.
Key provisions
- Political communications with a deepfake that impersonates a candidate's speech (audio) or shows a candidate doing or saying something they did not (video) must carry a disclaimer
- Audio: state at the beginning and end, 'This communication contains fake content impersonating speech that did not occur'
- Video: a notice in large letters for the full video that it contains fake content depicting actions (and speech) that did not occur
- For candidates who are not incumbents, applies only within 120 days before voting begins in their election
- Hosts, internet service providers, search engines and cloud providers are not liable for providing access, and paid broadcasters and streaming services are exempt, unless they created the deepfake
- Depicted candidates may seek damages and equitable relief under § 39-17-1904; violating the disclaimer requirement is a Class C misdemeanor
- The Senate substituted HB 1513 for SB 1624 and passed it 33-0 on March 12, 2026; signed March 26, 2026 as Public Chapter 625; effective July 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 30, 2026. Comp. became Pub. Ch. 625
Sponsors (showing 5 of 6)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Gresham | Primary |
| Massey | Primary |
| Parkinson | Primary |
| Roberts | Primary |
| Stevens | Primary |
Roll call votes
SENATE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0 2/24/2026 Passed (1) Feb 24, 2026
8 yea0 nayPassed
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