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WashingtonHB 12052025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Prohibiting the knowing distribution of a forged digital likeness.

Sponsored By: Cindy Ryu (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New protection against harmful fake digital likenesses

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington makes certain harmful sharing of fake digital likenesses a gross misdemeanor called second-degree criminal impersonation. The rule covers digitally created or changed images or audio of a real, identifiable person that appear genuine. They must falsely show the person's appearance, speech, or actions and be likely to fool a reasonable person. The distributor must knowingly share the fake as genuine and know, or reasonably be expected to know, it is fake. They must intend to defraud, harass, threaten, intimidate, or serve another unlawful purpose. Constitutionally protected cultural, historical, political, religious, educational, newsworthy, and public-interest uses remain allowed, including satire, parody, and art.

Online providers shielded from third-party content liability

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington limits liability for online services, mobile phone providers, telecom networks, and broadband providers. These providers cannot be held liable solely because another person supplied the content at issue. This is not a blanket exemption from liability on other grounds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 13

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 43 • No: 6

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 90 • No: 7 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/16/2025House

  2. Chapter 51, 2025 Laws.

    4/16/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/16/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/11/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/10/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/9/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 43; nays, 6; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/4/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/4/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/20/2025House

  12. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    3/20/2025House

  13. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    3/6/2025House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 7; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2025House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025House

  17. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/28/2025House

  18. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/14/2025House

  19. CS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/13/2025House

  20. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/13/2025House

  21. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    1/13/2025House

  22. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/8/2025House

Bill Text

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