House Bill No. 2795 aims to address the creation and distribution of misleading images and videos, particularly in the context of elections. The bill amends Section 255.004 of the Election Code, changing the heading to "FALSE IMAGES, VIDEOS, AND SOURCES" and introducing new definitions and offenses related to altered images and deep fake videos. Specifically, it establishes that creating or distributing a deep fake video with the intent to deceive or influence an election is a Class A misdemeanor, while a similar offense involving altered images is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill provides an affirmative defense for individuals who label altered images clearly.

The bill also defines "altered image" and "deep fake video," specifying that an altered image is one that has been manipulated to misrepresent an individual's appearance or actions, excluding certain satirical representations and superficial alterations. The law will apply only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 255.004 (Election Code 255)