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 outlines that these actions are particularly prohibited within a 90-day period leading up to an election.

Additionally, the bill provides definitions for terms such as "deep fake video" and "altered image," clarifying what constitutes these deceptive practices. It also includes an affirmative defense for individuals charged under the altered image provision, allowing them to avoid prosecution if they clearly label the image as altered. The intent of the legislation is to protect the integrity of election campaigns by penalizing deceptive media practices that could mislead voters.

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)