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Bill

SB 893

Relating to criminal offenses for creating and distributing certain misleading images, audio recordings, and videos; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Lois Kolkhorst

Texas bill criminalizes creating and distributing deceptive synthetic media about elections and candidates to combat election-related misinformation.

Referred to Elections
#communications&press(i0073) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #elections--campaignfinancing(i0290) #elections--candidates(i0280) #elections--general(i0310) #videotape&film(s2361)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 893

Legislative bill overview

SB 893 creates criminal penalties for creating and distributing misleading deepfakes, synthetic media, and manipulated images intended to deceive the public about political candidates or election processes. The bill establishes a new offense framework to address false or deceptive audiovisual content that could interfere with electoral integrity.

Why is this important

As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, election officials and lawmakers are concerned about synthetic media being weaponized to spread misinformation about candidates or voting procedures immediately before elections. This bill attempts to provide legal remedies and criminal deterrents against coordinated disinformation campaigns that could suppress voter participation or manipulate electoral outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment implications: Distinguishing between criminal "misleading" synthetic media and protected political speech or satire is legally complex; overly broad language could chill legitimate parody, criticism, or artistic expression
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining intent to deceive and proving an image is "misleading" rather than simply controversial requires subjective judgment; technology to detect deepfakes remains imperfect and contested
  • Scope and definitions: The bill's exact definitions of "certain misleading images, audio recordings, and videos" are unclear from the title alone; narrowly tailored language is critical to avoid unintended consequences or selective prosecution

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

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