BILL NUMBER: S7963
SPONSOR: GONZALEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to requiring certain poli-
tical communications to include provenance data for all audio, images or
videos used in such communications; and providing for the repeal of
certain provisions upon the expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To make the audience of political advertisements aware of the use of
artificial intelligence used to generate the advertisements
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one: Short title.
Section two: Sets out definitions, a description of the type of poli-
tical communications subject to the disclosure requirements, and the
disclosure requirements.
Section three: Permits the attorney general to promulgate rules and
regulations to effectuate and enforce the requirements in the bill.
Section four: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation aims to address the increasing use of artificial intel-
ligence (Al) in the creation and dissemination of political advertise-
ments. As Al-driven technologies become more advanced, they can produce
highly persuasive content that may not always be clearly distinguishable
from human-generated material. By requiring political advertisements to
disclose key provenance data, the bill seeks to empower voters with the
information necessary to critically assess the integrity and origin of
the content they encounter. This transparency will help prevent manipu-
lation through deceptive or misleading Al-generated materials, ultimate-
ly fostering a more informed electorate.
Moreover, the bill recognizes the need for democratic processes to adapt
to technological advancements without stifling innovation. The bill does
not seek to ban the use of Al in political advertising but rather to
ensure that its use is fully transparent. By mandating the disclosure of
provenance data, the public will have clearer insight into how Al shapes
political discourse, allowing them to better understand the potential
biases or strategic manipulations embedded in Al-driven messages. This
initiative aligns with broader goals of enhancing the integrity of
elections, reducing the risk of disinformation campaigns, and maintain-
ing trust in the democratic system.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundredth eightieth day after it
shall have become a law and paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision 8 of
section 14-106 of the election law, as added by section two of this act,
shall expire and be deemed repealed on December 31, 2030.

Statutes affected:
S7963: 14-106 election law