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AI Summary
This bill prohibits the use of synthetic media and AI to influence elections, imposing civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Business Impact
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 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
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
- Prohibits distribution of synthetic media that misrepresents individuals within 90 days of an election.
- Requires clear disclaimers for synthetic media to avoid penalties.
- Establishes civil and criminal penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.
- Defines key terms such as 'artificial intelligence' and 'synthetic media.'
- Includes exceptions for certain media types and compliance with federal law.
- Allows for complaints to be filed with the state election commission.
- Permits the Secretary of State to propose emergency and legislative rules for approval.
Latest Legislative Action
Referred to Rules on 1st reading
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Woodrum R | Sponsor | SD-010 |
| Mike Oliverio R | Sponsor | SD-013 |
| Vince Deeds R | Sponsor | SD-010 |
Amendments (1)
sb484 sfa martin _1 3-3
Pending
2025-03-03
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.
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.
Who: Creators and sponsors of political media.
Deadline: Ongoing, especially within 90 days before elections.
Penalty: Misdemeanor charges and fines up to $1,000.
Full Legal 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.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB484 on official legislature website →
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