H.846 is a proposed bill aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence in election-related communications in Vermont. It seeks to define "high-traffic online platform" and mandates these platforms to block the posting of materially deceptive content related to elections during specific periods before and after an election. Additionally, the bill requires these platforms to label any inauthentic, synthetic, or false content appropriately during the same timeframes. It also prohibits individuals, committees, or entities from knowingly distributing advertisements or election communications containing materially deceptive content with malice within 120 days leading up to an election.

Furthermore, the bill empowers recipients of materially deceptive content, as well as elections officials and candidates or committees involved in the election, to file civil actions to stop the distribution of such deceptive media and seek damages from the responsible parties. It also mandates that any committee creating, publishing, or distributing a qualified political advertisement must include a specific disclosure if the advertisement was generated or significantly altered using artificial intelligence.