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WV SB484: Relating to disclosures and penalties associated with use of synthetic media and artificial intelligence

Dead/Failed West Virginia · 2025 session

Last verified May 19, 2026 · official bill text

SB484 · where it stands

This bill did not become law (dead/failed) · last action Mar 4, 2025.

What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Signed / enacted
Signed into law; it may or may not be in effect yet.
In effect
The effective date has passed.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

This bill prohibits the use of synthetic media and AI to influence elections, imposing civil and criminal penalties for violations.

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

What it means for business

If you create political media using AI in West Virginia, you must disclose its synthetic nature or face fines up to $1,000 per violation.

What this means

Senate Bill 484 aims to regulate the use of synthetic media and artificial intelligence in political advertising to prevent election manipulation. It establishes clear definitions and penalties for non-compliance, impacting candidates, political committees, and creators of political content. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency in the use of AI-generated materials and allows the Secretary of State to propose emergency and legislative rules.

Key provisions

  1. Prohibits distribution of synthetic media that misrepresents individuals within 90 days of an election.
  2. Requires clear disclaimers for synthetic media to avoid penalties.
  3. Establishes civil and criminal penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.
  4. Defines key terms such as 'artificial intelligence' and 'synthetic media.'
  5. Includes exceptions for certain media types and compliance with federal law.
  6. Allows for complaints to be filed with the state election commission.
  7. Permits the Secretary of State to propose emergency and legislative rules for approval.

Compliance checklist

  • Ensure all synthetic media includes a clear disclaimer about its nature. Who: Candidates and political committees. Deadline: Before distributing any synthetic media within 90 days of an election. Penalty: Fines up to $1,000 per violation.
  • Avoid distributing synthetic media that misrepresents individuals without consent. Who: Creators and sponsors of political media. Deadline: Ongoing, especially within 90 days before elections. Penalty: Misdemeanor charges and fines up to $1,000.

Latest legislative action

Mar 4, 2025. Referred to Rules on 1st reading

Full analysis

Senate Bill 484 introduces a prohibition on the distribution of synthetic media that misrepresents individuals in the context of elections. Specifically, it restricts the dissemination of such media within 90 days of an election unless it includes a clear disclaimer about its synthetic nature. The bill outlines penalties for violations, categorizing them as misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 per violation, and also includes civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Key definitions include 'artificial intelligence,' 'synthetic media,' and 'creator,' clarifying who is subject to the law. The bill also includes exceptions for certain media types and emphasizes compliance with federal laws, ensuring that it does not conflict with existing regulations. Additionally, the Secretary of State may propose emergency and legislative rules for legislative approval in accordance with the bill. This legislation reflects a growing trend among states to address the implications of AI and synthetic media in the electoral process.

Sponsors

NameRoleDistrict
R Sponsor SD-010
R Sponsor SD-013
R Sponsor SD-010

Amendments (1)

  • sb484 sfa martin _1 3-3 Not adopted 2025-03-03

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI DeepfakesAI Transparency

Affected industries

Consumer ProtectionMedia

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

More West Virginia AI legislation

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SB198 Prohibiting creation, production, distribution, or possession of artificially ge HB5690 Creating a West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence HR3 Creating a Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence HB3187 Relating to the West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence HB4496 To force any media/internet creator providing artificial intelligence created vi SB454 Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act