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AI Summary
This bill prohibits political ads with synthetic media without a disclosure stating it may present conduct or speech that did not occur, imposes a penalty up to $25,000, and classifies willful violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Business Impact
If you sponsor political advertisements in Virginia, you must disclose synthetic media use 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 HB868 aims to regulate the use of synthetic media in political campaign advertisements. It mandates a disclosure statement indicating that the synthetic media may present conduct or speech that did not occur, imposes a civil penalty up to $25,000 for violations, and classifies willful violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor. It also allows registered voters to seek preventative relief.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits electioneering communications with synthetic media without a disclosure statement indicating it may present conduct or speech that did not occur.
- Imposes a civil penalty up to $25,000 for violations.
- Classifies willful violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Allows registered voters to seek injunctions against non-compliant communications.
- Defines 'synthetic media' and 'electioneering communications' within the bill's text.
Latest Legislative Action
Continued to next session in Privileges and Elections (Voice Vote)
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 12)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Alfonso H. Lopez D | Primary |
| Jeffrey M. Bourne | Primary |
| Mark L. Earley, Jr. | Primary |
| Rae Cousins D | Primary |
| Robert D. Orrock, Sr. | Primary |
Roll Call Votes
Subcommittee recommends reporting ·
Feb 3, 2026
6 Yea
2 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Include a conspicuous disclosure statement in political ads using synthetic media
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 HB982 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
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Virginia SB775 — Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
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Virginia HB2479 — 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
HB868 prohibits the use of synthetic media in political campaign advertisements unless accompanied by a conspicuously displayed disclosure statement indicating that the synthetic media may present conduct or speech that did not occur. This requirement applies to any committee or individual responsible for electioneering communications. The bill defines 'synthetic media' and 'electioneering communications' within its text. It imposes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for violations and classifies willful violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor. It also permits any registered voter who receives an electioneering communication in violation of the requirement to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB868 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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