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AI Summary
This bill prohibits electioneering communications containing synthetic media without a specific disclosure statement and allows registered voters to seek injunctions for violations.
Business Impact
If you sponsor political advertisements in Virginia, you must disclose any 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 HB2479 aims to regulate the use of synthetic media in political campaign advertisements. It requires clear disclosures for altered or artificially generated content, imposing significant penalties for non-compliance. This legislation is crucial for political committees and advertisers, ensuring transparency in electioneering communications and empowering voters to seek injunctions against violations.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits electioneering communications with synthetic media without a disclosure statement.
- Imposes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for violations.
- Allows registered voters to seek injunctions against non-compliant communications.
- Defines synthetic media in detail, including altered and artificially generated content.
- Identical to SB 775, indicating a broader legislative intent.
- Establishes a framework for enforcement and penalties.
Latest Legislative Action
House sustained Governor's veto
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 6)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly Convirs-Fowler D | Sponsor | HD-021 |
| Marcia Price D | Sponsor | HD-095 |
| Mark Sickles D | Sponsor | HD-043 |
| Michelle Maldonado D | Sponsor | HD-050 |
| Paul Krizek D | Sponsor | HD-044 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 9)
H ·
Conference report agreed to by House (76-Y 22-N) ·
Feb 22, 2025
76 Yea
22 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Conference report agreed to by Senate (23-Y 17-N) ·
Feb 22, 2025
23 Yea
17 Nay
Passed ✓
S ·
Senate insisted on substitute (38-Y 2-N) ·
Feb 19, 2025
38 Yea
2 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Include a disclosure statement in all political advertisements using synthetic media
Who: Political committees and advertisers
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $25,000 for non-compliance
Who: Political committees and advertisers
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $25,000 for non-compliance
Ensure all electioneering communications are reviewed for synthetic media content
Who: Campaign managers and communication teams
Deadline: Before publication or broadcast
Penalty: Potential Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations
Who: Campaign managers and communication teams
Deadline: Before publication or broadcast
Penalty: Potential Class 1 misdemeanor for willful violations
Related & Companion Bills
Virginia SB775 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
→
Virginia HB982 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
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Virginia HB868 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
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Virginia SB141 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
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Full Legal Analysis
HB2479 establishes regulations for electioneering communications that utilize synthetic media, defined as altered or artificially generated images or audio that could mislead viewers. The bill mandates that any such communication must include a conspicuous disclosure statement indicating the presence of synthetic media. Violators face civil penalties up to $25,000, and willful violations may result in a Class 1 misdemeanor. Registered voters who receive an electioneering communication in violation of the requirement are empowered to seek preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction. This legislation aligns with growing concerns over misinformation and the integrity of political advertising, similar to measures being considered in other states.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB2479 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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