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Bill

HB 366

Relating to required disclosures on certain political advertising that contains altered media; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Dade Phelan

Texas bill requiring clear disclosures on political ads with manipulated media and criminalizing non-compliant distribution to protect electoral integrity from deepfakes.

Received from the House
#advertising(s2680) #artificialintelligence(iq7c5) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #ethicscommission #texas(v9939) #elections--campaignfinancing(i0290) #elections--candidates(i0280) #ethics(i0345) #videotape&film(s2361)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 366

Legislative bill overview

HB 366 requires political advertisements containing altered media (deepfakes, manipulated images/videos) to include clear disclosures identifying the content as synthetic or manipulated. The bill creates a criminal offense for knowingly distributing altered political media without such disclosures, with potential penalties for violations during election periods.

Why is this important

Deepfakes and manipulated media pose genuine threats to electoral integrity and voter decision-making by spreading false information that appears authentic. As synthetic media technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, this legislation attempts to protect voters from deception while addressing a gap in current election law protections.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Critics argue mandatory disclosure requirements on political speech could face constitutional challenges regarding compelled speech and content-based restrictions on political expression
  • Definition and enforcement challenges: The bill must clearly define what constitutes "altered media" versus routine editing, satire, or legitimate artistic modification, creating potential for subjective enforcement and overreach
  • Practical compliance burden: Political campaigns, news organizations, and social media users may struggle with real-time identification and labeling of manipulated content, and the criminal penalty may chill legitimate political speech if definitions are vague

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

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