House Bill No. 639, introduced by Representative Bayham, amends existing laws regarding telephone campaign communications to require explicit disclosure when artificial intelligence (AI) is used to create such communications. Specifically, it adds new provisions to R.S. 18:1463.1, stating that no person may make or cause to be made any telephone or automated call created using AI without providing a clear and understandable disclosure at the beginning of the call. The bill also retains existing penalties for violations, which include civil fines of up to $2,500 for the first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations.

Additionally, the bill expands the jurisdiction of the Board of Ethics to include the administration and enforcement of these new disclosure requirements. It clarifies the definition of "artificial intelligence" as per R.S. 14:73.14 and maintains the existing definitions related to telephone campaign communications. The amendments aim to enhance transparency in political campaigning by ensuring that voters are aware when AI technology is utilized in campaign calls.

Statutes affected:
HB639 Original: 18:1463(A), 18:1(D)
HB639 Engrossed: 18:1(D), 42:1132(D)
HB639 Reengrossed: 18:1(D), 42:1132(D)