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Bill

HB 1169

Concerning offenses involving fabricated depictions of minors.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Berry and 6 co-sponsors

Washington bill criminalizes production, distribution, and possession of AI-generated or synthetic sexually explicit images depicting minors to address emerging child exploitation material technology.

First reading, referred to Community Safety.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1169

Legislative bill overview

HB 1169 creates criminal penalties for creating, distributing, or possessing sexually explicit synthetic or AI-generated images depicting minors. The bill aims to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that uses deepfakes, altered images, or entirely computer-generated depictions rather than actual children.

Why is this important

AI and image manipulation technology have made it easier to produce fake child sexual abuse material without victimizing actual children in the creation process, but such material still normalizes child sexual exploitation and can be used for grooming. Current federal and state laws primarily target CSAM involving real children, leaving a legal gap for synthetic depictions that law enforcement argues fuels demand and harms child safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional precision: How exactly "depictions" and "minors" are defined could impact whether cartoon/anime, artistic work, or age-ambiguous content is covered, raising free speech concerns
  • Victim vs. non-victim distinction: Some argue synthetic CSAM causes less direct harm than material involving actual children and should receive lighter penalties or different legal treatment
  • Technology enforcement challenges: Law enforcement's ability to detect and prosecute such material when it exists on encrypted platforms or private networks may be limited

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

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