This bill amends section 49-1401 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act by defining terms related to deepfakes and synthetic media. It specifically prohibits the distribution of deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes that depict candidates or political parties within ninety days of an election, unless certain disclosures are made. The bill outlines what constitutes a "deceptive and fraudulent deepfake" and "synthetic media," and it provides exceptions for media that includes clear disclosures about its manipulated nature.

Additionally, the bill allows candidates whose likenesses are misrepresented through such deepfakes to seek injunctive or equitable relief against the publication of these materials. It also specifies that certain entities, such as broadcasting stations and publications, are exempt from liability under specific conditions, including when they provide clear disclosures about the authenticity of the media. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still be valid. The original section 49-1401 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1401