AI Transparency in Elections Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would require clear, mandatory AI disclaimers in political communications that use images, audio, or video substantially generated by artificial intelligence. It would also create civil penalties for failures to disclose and direct the Federal Election Commission to set rules and report on compliance.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Which political ads count
This bill would define which political messages are covered. Covered communications would include public ads on broadcast, print, outdoor, mail, phone banks, internet, or other digital media that (A) expressly advocate for or against a candidate, (B) refer to a candidate during the 120 days before a primary through the general election, or (C) solicit contributions. The bill would define generative AI and say when an image, audio, or video is "substantially generated by AI," while excluding minor edits like cropping or color fixes. These definitions would apply to communications made after enactment.
New AI disclaimer rules for ads
This bill would require a clear statement when an ad contains image, audio, or video substantially generated or materially altered by AI. The rule would apply whenever a disbursement finances a covered communication made after enactment. For audio, the line would be spoken at the start or end, last at least 4 seconds, and include the payer's name in specified wording. For images, the text must be at least as large as the majority of other text and be permanently affixed. For video with audio, the ad would need both the written and spoken statements throughout the video.
FEC rules and reporting on AI ads
This bill would require the FEC to write rules within 90 days, working with NIST, on how to tell if media was made or materially altered by AI and what the disclaimer must say. The bill would also require the FEC to report to congressional committees not later than 2 years after enactment and every two years after. The report would review compliance, enforcement, and recommend any needed changes.
Fines and faster FEC enforcement
This bill would let the FEC publish a civil penalty schedule for missing the required AI disclaimer. Penalties could be up to $50,000 per covered communication. The FEC would consider prior violations and distribution size when setting a fine. Not answering an FEC notice could be treated as admitting the complaint's facts. Court review of these claims would be shortened to 45 days. These rules would apply to violations occurring on or after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
NY • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
WA • D
Sponsored 7/23/2026
Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]
AL • D
Sponsored 7/23/2026
Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/23/2026
Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32]
TX • D
Sponsored 7/23/2026
Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
HI • D
Sponsored 8/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov