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Bill

HB 1513

Election Laws - As introduced, requires political advertisements to include a disclaimer if the advertisements include deepfake elements impersonating or depicting a candidate engaging in activity or speech in which the impersonated or depicted candidate did not in fact engage; makes a violation of such disclaimer requirement a Class C misdemeanor; entitles candidate to damages and equitable relief for violations. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 19.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Zachary

Requires political ads with deepfakes impersonating candidates to include disclaimers; violators face misdemeanor charges and civil liability to affected candidates.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HB 1513

Legislative bill overview

HB 1513 requires political advertisements containing deepfake elements that depict candidates doing things they didn't actually do to include clear disclaimers. Violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor, and affected candidates can sue for damages and seek court orders to stop the advertisements.

Why is this important

Deepfake technology makes it increasingly easy to create convincing fake videos of public figures, which could deceive voters and undermine election integrity. This bill attempts to address that threat by ensuring transparency when such manipulated content appears in political advertising, giving candidates legal remedies against misuse.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Courts have previously struck down restrictions on political speech; defining what qualifies as a "deepfake" and requiring disclaimers could face constitutional challenges around compelled speech and content-based restrictions
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes a "deepfake" versus satire, parody, or standard editing, creating enforcement uncertainty and potential chilling effects on legitimate political commentary
  • Burden of proof and litigation costs: Candidates must prove they didn't engage in the depicted activity; this could incentivize frivolous lawsuits and expensive litigation over subjective interpretations of advertising content

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

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