Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32]
Introduced
Summary
Bans knowingly distributing materially deceptive AI audio or video about federal candidates to influence elections or solicit funds. This measure defines what counts as AI-generated deceptive media and creates federal civil liability for distributors while carving out narrow exceptions for news and satire.
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- Candidates: Can sue for injunctions and damages when AI-made audio or video would make a reasonable person wrongly believe the candidate said or did something. Violations are treated as defamation per se in related suits.
- Distributors and political actors: Any person, political committee, or entity that knowingly distributes such material with intent to influence a Federal election or solicit funds faces injunctive relief, damages, and potential recovery of attorney's fees if the plaintiff prevails. Civil claims require proof by clear and convincing evidence.
- News outlets and parody creators: Radio and television broadcasters, streaming services, regularly published newspapers or magazines, and satire are exempt when they include a clear, prominent disclosure that authenticity is in question or the content is parody.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on fake AI about candidates
If enacted, this would ban people, campaigns, and groups from knowingly sharing fake AI audio or video about a federal candidate to sway an election or raise money. The media must be AI-made and likely to mislead a reasonable person about the candidate's words or actions. The rule would cover content shared as part of federal election activity. Real news and regular publications could still show such media if they clearly say it is not authentic. Satire and parody would remain allowed.
Rest of bill stays if parts fail
If enacted, if a court strikes one part of this bill, the rest would still stand. Other rules would keep working for other people and situations.
Lawsuits and penalties for AI fakes
If passed, a federal candidate shown in deceptive AI media could sue the distributor for money. The candidate could also ask a court to quickly stop the sharing. A court could award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the winner. The candidate would need to prove the case by clear and convincing evidence. A violation would count as defamation per se, which would make a defamation claim easier to bring.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32]
TX • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
PA • D
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Gonzales, Tony
TX • R
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
MO • R
Sponsored 4/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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