The proposed bill aims to establish new criminal offenses related to deceptive and injurious media during election campaigns in Arkansas. It amends Arkansas Code 7-1-103(a) to include several specific unlawful actions. These include the intentional deception of audiences through political advertising that misrepresents its true source, as well as the creation and distribution of deep fake videos and altered images that could harm a candidate or influence election outcomes. The bill defines "deep fake video" as a video that falsely depicts a real person performing actions that did not occur, and "altered image" as an image manipulated to change an individual's appearance or actions.

Additionally, the bill outlines that it is unlawful to create or distribute altered images or deep fake videos within 90 days of an election. However, it provides an affirmative defense for those who label altered images clearly, indicating that they have been modified. The legislation aims to enhance the integrity of election campaigns by penalizing deceptive practices that could mislead voters and undermine the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1141 V2 - 2-12-2025 10:03 AM: 7-1-103(a)
Old version HB1141 Original - 1-15-2025 01:51 PM: 7-1-103(a)
HB 1141: 7-1-103(a)