VT S0023: An act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections

In one paragraph

Vermont's S.23 (Act 75) bars publishing, communicating or distributing, within 90 days before a Vermont election, synthetic media the person knows is deceptive and fraudulent unless it states: "This media has been manipulated or generated by digital technology and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur." Synthetic media is image, audio or video of a person created or intentionally manipulated with digital technology, including AI. Knowing and intentional violations: fines up to $1,000; $5,000 with intent to cause violence; $10,000 for a repeat within five years; $15,000 for both. Depicted candidates may seek injunctions. Signed and effective March 5, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Campaigns, PACs, consultants and others distributing election content in Vermont must label synthetic media they know is deceptive and fraudulent within 90 days before an election; qualifying news coverage, satire and platforms carrying others' content are exempt.

Key provisions

1. 1New 17 V.S.A. chapter 35, subchapter 4: synthetic media is an image, audio recording or video recording of an individual's appearance, speech or conduct created or intentionally manipulated with digital technology, including artificial intelligence
2. 2Deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media appears to a reasonable person to be a realistic representation of a political candidate that injures the candidate's reputation, or of an individual that attempts to unduly influence the outcome of an election, including a public question, by giving voters materially false information
3. 3Within 90 days before a Vermont election, no person may publish, communicate or distribute synthetic media the person knows is deceptive and fraudulent without the statement: "This media has been manipulated or generated by digital technology and depicts speech or conduct that did not occur."
4. 4Disclosure format: easily readable text on images and video, shown for the full length of a video; for audio only, read clearly at the beginning and end and, in audio longer than two minutes, at intervals of no more than two minutes
5. 5Exempt: broadcasters, cable and satellite operators, websites, streaming platforms and apps airing it in bona fide news coverage that acknowledges questions about its authenticity, when paid to broadcast it, or when federal law requires them to air candidate ads; news publications that state it is inaccurate; satire or parody; telecommunications and information services and Section 230 interactive computer services for content provided by others
6. 6Penalties for knowing and intentional violations: fine up to $1,000; up to $5,000 with intent to cause violence or bodily harm; up to $10,000 within five years of a prior violation; up to $15,000 for both. A misrepresented candidate may seek injunctive or other equitable relief
7. 7New subchapter 5: the Attorney General or a State's Attorney may bring actions to prevent or abate violations of the elections chapter and run civil investigations with document demands and testimony; concealing or destroying records to evade one is fined up to $5,000
8. 8Signed by the Governor March 5, 2026 (Act 75); effective on passage, March 5, 2026

Latest legislative action

Mar 5, 2026. Signed by Governor (Act 75)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 24)