SB 644

This bill requires that any audio or video communication that is paid for by a

candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, political action committee,

independent expenditure committee, political party, recall committee, or

referendum committee with a contribution or disbursement make certain

disclosures if the communication contains synthetic media. The bill defines

“synthetic media” as audio or video content substantially produced by means of

generative artificial intelligence.

Under the bill, every audio communication paid for with a contribution or

disbursement that contains synthetic media must include at both the beginning and

the end of the communication the words “Contains content generated by AI.”

Similarly, the bill provides that every video communication paid for with a

contribution or disbursement must include throughout the duration of each portion

of the communication containing synthetic media, in writing that is readable,

legible, and readily accessible, the words “This video content generated by AI” if the

video includes video synthetic media only, “This audio content generated by AI” if the

video includes audio synthetic media only, or “This content generated by AI” if the

video includes both video and audio synthetic media.

The bill imposes a forfeiture of up to $1,000 for each violation of the bill's

requirements and authorizes the Ethics Commission to adopt rules creating limited

exceptions to those requirements.