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AI Summary
This bill regulates the creation of explicit deep fake material and establishes a private cause of action for those depicted without consent.
Business Impact
If you operate a deep fake generator in Texas, you must verify the age of depicted individuals and obtain consent by September 1, 2025, or face legal action.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Texas House Bill 421 aims to regulate explicit deep fake material by requiring age verification and consent from individuals depicted. It provides a private cause of action for those harmed by violations, impacting creators and platforms involved in generating such content.
Key Provisions
- Defines 'deep fake generator' and 'explicit deep fake material'.
- Requires age verification before creating explicit deep fake material.
- Prohibits creation of explicit deep fakes of individuals under 18.
- Establishes a private cause of action for individuals depicted without consent.
- Allows recovery of actual damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.
- Effective date set for September 1, 2025.
Latest Legislative Action
Referred to Criminal Justice
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Armando Walle D | Sponsor | HD-140 |
| Maria Flores D | Sponsor | HD-051 |
| Mary Gonzalez D | Sponsor | HD-075 |
| Mihaela Plesa D | Sponsor | HD-070 |
| Penny Morales Shaw D | Sponsor | HD-148 |
Roll Call Votes
H ·
Read 3rd time RV#756 ·
Apr 29, 2025
147 Yea
0 Nay
3 Other
Passed ✓
H ·
Read 2nd time RV#665 ·
Apr 28, 2025
144 Yea
0 Nay
6 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Verify the age of individuals depicted in explicit deep fake material.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Obtain written consent from individuals 18 or older before creating explicit deep fakes.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Do not create explicit deep fake material depicting individuals under 18.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Who: Owners of deep fake generators.
Deadline: By September 1, 2025.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Full Legal Analysis
Texas House Bill 421 introduces regulations concerning the creation of explicit deep fake material, defined as visual content that misrepresents a real person in sexual or intimate contexts. The bill mandates that deep fake generators verify the age of individuals depicted and obtain written consent if the person is 18 or older. For individuals under 18, explicit deep fake material cannot be created at all. The bill provides a private cause of action for individuals depicted in violation of these provisions, allowing them or their guardians to sue for damages, including mental anguish and attorney's fees. The act takes effect on September 1, 2025, establishing a clear timeline for compliance and enforcement. This legislation aligns with growing concerns over the misuse of AI-generated content and aims to protect individuals from potential exploitation.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB421 on official legislature website →
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