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HB 1141

TO CREATE CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATED TO DECEPTIVE AND INJURIOUS MEDIA IN THE COURSE OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1141 sought to criminalize deceptive "deep fakes" in election campaigns, protecting candidates from harmful misinformation during critical election periods.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1141

Summary of House Bill 1141

Bill Number: HB 1141
Title: To Create Criminal Offenses Related to Deceptive and Injurious Media in the Course of Election Campaigns
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1141 was introduced to address the growing concern over the use of deceptive media, specifically "deep fakes," in election campaigns. The bill aimed to create criminal offenses for individuals who produce or distribute such misleading media with the intent to harm a candidate's reputation during the critical period leading up to elections.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to Arkansas election law:

  1. Definition of "Deep Fake":

    • A "deep fake" is defined as a manipulated medium that uses artificial intelligence to depict a real person performing actions that did not occur, intended to deceive viewers into believing the false representation.

  2. Exemptions:

    • The definition excludes:
      • Cartoons or caricatures that are clearly satirical.
      • Alterations that only modify superficial qualities (e.g., brightness, contrast).
      • Any lawful communications under the Arkansas Constitution or the First Amendment.

  3. Criminal Offenses:

    • It would be unlawful to:
      • Create or cause the creation of a deep fake intended to injure a candidate.
      • Publish or distribute a deep fake during the 90 days leading up to an election, knowing it to be a deep fake.

  4. Affirmative Defense:

    • A defense against prosecution would be available if the deep fake was clearly labeled as such.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The bill primarily targets individuals and organizations involved in creating and disseminating media related to election campaigns. Candidates for office in Arkansas would be directly protected under this legislation.

  • Potential Consequences:

    • If enacted, individuals found guilty of violating these provisions could face misdemeanor charges, thereby deterring the use of deceptive media tactics in elections.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • February 12, 2025:
    • The bill was read a second time, and rules were suspended for further consideration.
    • Amendment No. 1 was adopted, refining the language of the bill.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote.

Conclusion

While HB 1141 aimed to establish legal protections against deceptive media in election campaigns, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The discussion surrounding this bill highlights ongoing concerns about misinformation and its impact on democratic processes.

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

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