Disclaimer: This page provides general informational summaries only and does not constitute legal advice. AI-generated content may contain errors. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Read full disclaimer →
AI Summary
The bill prohibits political ads containing synthetic media without a disclosure statement and imposes penalties for violations.
Business Impact
If you sponsor political advertisements in Virginia, you must disclose the use of synthetic media or face penalties up to $25,000.
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
Virginia's SB775 aims to regulate the use of synthetic media in political campaign advertisements. It mandates a clear disclosure statement for such media and establishes penalties for non-compliance. This legislation is particularly relevant for political committees and advertisers utilizing AI-generated content.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits electioneering communications with synthetic media without a disclosure statement.
- Imposes a civil penalty up to $25,000 for violations.
- Allows registered voters to seek injunctions against non-compliant advertisements.
- Defines 'synthetic media' in detail, covering altered and artificially generated content.
- Establishes penalties for willful violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Latest Legislative Action
Senate sustained Governor's veto
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Saddam Salim D | Sponsor | SD-037 |
| Scott Surovell D | Sponsor | SD-036 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 11)
H ·
Conference report agreed to by House (71-Y 25-N) ·
Feb 22, 2025
71 Yea
25 Nay
4 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Conference report agreed to by Senate (22-Y 18-N) ·
Feb 22, 2025
22 Yea
18 Nay
Passed ✓
S ·
House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 39-N) ·
Feb 20, 2025
0 Yea
39 Nay
1 Other
Amendments (1)
Privileges and Elections Amendment
Pending
—
Compliance Checklist
Include a disclosure statement for synthetic media in political ads
Who: Political committees and advertisers
Penalty: Up to $25,000 for violations
Who: Political committees and advertisers
Penalty: Up to $25,000 for violations
Ensure all electioneering communications comply with the new requirements
Who: All sponsors of political advertisements
Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations
Who: All sponsors of political advertisements
Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations
Related & Companion Bills
Virginia HB2479 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
→
Virginia HB982 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
→
Virginia HB868 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
→
Virginia SB141 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
→
Full Legal Analysis
SB775 prohibits the use of synthetic media in political campaign advertisements unless accompanied by a conspicuous disclosure statement. This applies to any committee or individual sponsoring electioneering communications. The bill establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for violations, and willful violations may result in a Class 1 misdemeanor. Registered voters are empowered to seek preventative relief against non-compliant advertisements, including injunctions. Key definitions include 'synthetic media,' which encompasses altered or artificially generated audio and images that mislead viewers about their authenticity. This bill aligns with growing concerns over misinformation in political advertising, similar to regulations emerging in other states regarding deepfakes and AI-generated content.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB775 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
More Virginia AI Legislation
HB747
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan; consolidation of agricu…
Medium
SB164
Health insurance; ethics and fairness in carrier business practices, …
Medium
HB2692
Custodial interrogations; false statements to a child prohibited, ina…
High
HJR32
Higher educational institutions; JLARC to study artificial intelligen…
Low
SB320
Autonomous truck-mounted attenuators; pilot program authorized.
Low
HB582
Autonomous truck-mounted attenuators; pilot program authorized.
Low
View All VA Laws →
More Virginia AI Laws
Browse all published AI bills and regulations for Virginia.