The bill amends the Revised Code by introducing a new section, 3517.24, which regulates the dissemination of deceptive synthetic media during election periods. It defines "deceptive synthetic media" as realistic but false images or recordings that misrepresent an individual's statements or actions, prohibiting their creation and dissemination with the intent to influence election outcomes unless proper disclosures are made. For manipulated images, a disclosure must indicate the use of artificial intelligence, while audio and video recordings must include similar disclosures at specified intervals. The bill also establishes a process for filing complaints regarding violations, allowing only candidates who are materially harmed to initiate such complaints, and assigns the Ohio election integrity commission the responsibility of reviewing these complaints and ensuring transparency in their decisions.

Additionally, the bill addresses violations of campaign finance laws by introducing a tiered penalty system for exceeding contribution limits, allowing campaign committees or political parties to avoid penalties if excess contributions are refunded within a specified timeframe. It categorizes offenses related to deceptive synthetic media based on whether they cause material harm to a candidate, with first offenses classified as misdemeanors and subsequent offenses as felonies, imposing specific fines accordingly. The bill also repeals existing sections 3517.15, 3517.16, 3517.23, and 3517.99, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding campaign finance violations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3517.15, 3517.16, 3517.23, 3517.99