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HB 119

CRIME: Provides relative to unlawful conduct involving images of another person created by artificial intelligence (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bryan Fontenot and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana bill criminalizes non-consensual creation and distribution of AI-generated intimate images of real people, establishing digital sexual abuse penalties.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 119

Legislative bill overview

HB 119 creates criminal penalties for the unlawful creation and distribution of artificial intelligence-generated intimate images of real people without consent. The bill establishes it as a crime to disseminate or sell such deepfake images, particularly those of a sexual nature, addressing a growing technology-facilitated harassment concern.

Why is this important

Non-consensual intimate imagery—whether real or AI-generated—can cause severe psychological harm, enable blackmail, and damage reputations. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, legislating against these synthetic images protects individuals from a form of digital sexual abuse that existing laws may not adequately cover. This represents one of the first state-level attempts to specifically criminalize AI-generated intimate imagery.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics may argue the bill could restrict protected speech or artistic expression, though typically such laws carve out exceptions for newsworthiness or consent
  • Definitional clarity: "Created by artificial intelligence" requires precise legal definition to avoid catching legitimate uses or creating enforcement ambiguity
  • Mens rea requirements: Whether intent/knowledge standards are appropriately calibrated—should mere possession or sharing be criminal, or only creation with harmful intent?
  • Practical enforcement: Determining whether an image is AI-generated versus real may be technically difficult for law enforcement

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

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