This bill introduces regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of elections, ballot issues, and public officials in Iowa. It amends Code section 68A.405 to require that any published material generated by AI that advocates for or against a candidate or ballot issue must include a disclosure stating that it was generated using AI. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of AI to create endorsements of candidates or ballot measures, as well as to depict candidates or public officials in misleading ways that could harm their public perception or misrepresent events.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new Code section 68B.40, which outlines specific limitations on the use of AI by candidates, political committees, and public officials. It prohibits the depiction of candidates or officials in scenarios that did not occur and restricts the sharing of AI-generated material unless a good-faith effort is made to remove it and inform the public of its AI origin. Violations of these provisions can result in significant fines imposed by the Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board, with penalties escalating for repeated offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68A.405