Senate Bill No. 894 establishes new regulations regarding the creation and distribution of synthetic media, particularly deepfakes, in the context of political candidates and parties within 90 days of an election. The bill defines key terms such as "artificial intelligence," "deepfake," and "synthetic media," and prohibits individuals or entities from creating or distributing deepfakes that they know to be misleading about candidates or political parties on the ballot. However, this prohibition can be circumvented if the media includes a clear disclosure stating that it has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence, with specific requirements for the visibility and audibility of such disclosures.

The bill also outlines the legal recourse available to candidates depicted in deepfakes, allowing them to seek injunctive relief or damages against violators. Additionally, it establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines varying based on the severity of the offense. Certain exemptions are included, such as for bona fide news broadcasts or publications that acknowledge the authenticity issues of the media. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.