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HD 1222

An Act relative to artificial intelligence disclosure

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Massachusetts would require clear notices and metadata for AI-generated content, enforceable under consumer protection law, with penalties for removing disclosures; OCABR enforces.

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Bill Summary · HD 1222

Summary: Massachusetts Bill HD 1222 — An Act Relative to Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Overview

HD 1222 proposes a new chapter in the General Laws (inserted as Chapter 93M) to require transparency around generative artificial intelligence (AI) content. The bill defines AI, AI-generated content, and related terms, and sets obligations for disclosures on AI-generated audio, video, text, and print content created or modified by generative AI systems. Enforcement would be handled by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), with penalties for noncompliance.

  • Introduced: November 29, 2025
  • Status: Not specified in the provided materials
  • Related: Similar matter filed previously (House Docket 4788, 2023-2024)

Purpose and intent

  • To increase transparency in AI-generated content used or created within Massachusetts.
  • To require clear disclosures and accompanying metadata to help consumers distinguish AI-generated material from human-created content.
  • To empower an enforcement agency with rules and penalties to ensure compliance.

Key provisions

Definitions (Section 1)

  • Artificial intelligence (AI): Computerized methods such as machine learning and natural language processing that resemble human cognitive problem-solving.
  • AI-generated content: Content (image, video, audio, print, or text) substantially created or modified by a generative AI system, altering the meaning or significance to a reasonable observer.
  • Generative AI system: Any system that generates or substantially modifies content using AI.
  • Metadata: Descriptive information about data, including content details, source, rights, provenance, publisher, contact information, method of collection, and related descriptions.

Disclosure requirements (Section 2)

  • Generative AI systems used to create AI-generated content within Massachusetts must include:
    • A clear and conspicuous notice identifying the content as AI-generated (medium-appropriate; must be permanent or not easily removed, where technically feasible).
    • Metadata identifying the content as AI-generated, the AI system used, and the date/time of creation.
  • Enforcement: Violations are enforceable under the same manner as Chapter 93A (Massachusetts consumer protection law).

Prohibition on removing disclosures (Section 3)

  • Anyone within Massachusetts using a generative AI system to create or repurpose AI-generated content shall not remove the required notice.
  • Penalties: At least $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

Enforcement and rulemaking (Section 4)

  • Enforcement agency: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), authorized to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the chapter.
  • Regulatory authority is aligned with Chapter 24A of the General Laws (OCABR authority).

Who is affected

  • Generative AI developers, platforms, and tools used to create AI-generated audio, video, text, or print content within Massachusetts.
  • Entities that repurpose AI-generated content within the state.
  • Content creators, publishers, advertisers, educators, and news and media organizations operating in Massachusetts.
  • Businesses and individuals subject to Massachusetts consumer protection enforcement.

Compliance and timeline considerations

  • The bill outlines required disclosures and metadata at the content level, with an emphasis on permanence or hard-to-remove notices where feasible.
  • OCABR would develop implementing rules and regulations.
  • Penalties align with existing consumer protection enforcement (Chapter 93A) for disclosures, with explicit fines for the notice-removal prohibition.
  • No explicit start date for compliance is stated in the text provided; implementation would follow regulatory rulemaking by OCABR after enactment.

Notable context

  • The bill builds on prior related proposals (see similar matter in 2023-2024, House Docket 4788) addressing AI disclosure requirements.
  • The proposed term “Massachusetts Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Act” signals a dedicated, state-level framework for transparency in AI-generated materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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