WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 42

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Prohibits using artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse materials. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 44 co-sponsors

Louisiana expands CSAM laws to prohibit AI-generated and digitally created images of minors, treating virtually indistinguishable depictions the same as real-child material.

Effective date 8/1/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 42

Summary of Bill: SB 42 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

SB 42 expands Louisiana’s prohibition on producing child sexual abuse materials to explicitly cover the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital means. The bill amends existing law to ensure that digitally generated representations of children, including AI-created images or other computer-generated visuals, are treated the same as traditional materials in terms of definitions and prohibitions. It takes effect August 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

  • Expanded definition of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM)

    • The definition now includes not only traditional photographs, videotapes, films, or other reproductions of a child’s sexual performance but also:
    • undeveloped film or data stored on a disk or electronic medium that can be converted into a visual image or similar representation;
    • images generated by electronic, mechanical, or other means, including AI-generated visuals; and
    • any image or visual representation of a child under 17 that is virtually indistinguishable from a real child, created or generated digitally.
    • The term “child” for CSAM purposes includes both a natural person under 17 and any digitally created or AI-generated representation that could be reasonably mistaken for a real child.

  • Expanded definition of “produce” CSAM

    • The act of producing CSAM now includes not only photographing, videotaping, filming, or otherwise reproducing CSAM, but also:
    • causing artificial intelligence to generate CSAM.
    • soliciting, promoting, or coercing any child for the purpose of CSAM remains covered; the new AI angle broadens the means by which CSAM can be produced.

  • Scope and retention of existing law

    • All other aspects of current law related to CSAM are retained, with the amendments integrating AI and digital generation into the framework.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals and entities engaged in the creation, production, distribution, or solicitation of CSAM that is AI-generated or digitally created will be subject to Louisiana criminal penalties under the same framework as traditional CSAM.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies: The broader definitions require updated investigation and charging practices to address AI-generated content and digitally created materials.
  • Victim protection and deterrence: The enhancement aims to close gaps where AI could be used to produce images resembling real children, increasing deterrence and reinforcing prohibition.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.
  • Legal amendments: R.S. 14:81.1(B)(3) and (9) amended and reenacted.
  • Legislative history: Passed the Senate with amendments to expand CSAM definitions; subsequently moved through standard procedures (readings, committees, engrossment) before final passage.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill aligns Louisiana law with growing concerns about AI-enabled sexual content involving minors by explicitly criminalizing AI-generated or digitally produced CSAM.
  • The expansion emphasizes that virtual or fabricated depictions—if they are virtually indistinguishable from real children—are treated as CSAM and subject to the same criminal prohibitions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.