WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(a)(1)–(6) As used in this section: (1) "CandidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1)" means any individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) who seeks nomination for electionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3), or electionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3) to public office whether or not such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) is elected; (2) "Deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2)" means any image, audio or video of an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4), and any representation of such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4)'s speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) when such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct; (3) "ElectionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3)" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes; (4) "IndividualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4)" means a human being; (5) "PersonPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5)" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes; and (6) "PrimaryPrimary"Primary" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes.Section 1(a)(6)" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes.
Section 1(a) defines the key terms that frame the bill's scope. The central defined term is deceptive synthetic media, which covers any image, audio, or video — or any representation of speech or conduct substantially derived therefrom — that a reasonable person would believe depicts an individual's actual speech or conduct when the individual did not engage in it. This definition is technology-neutral; it captures AI-generated deepfakes as well as non-AI manipulation. Other definitions incorporate existing Connecticut election law terms by cross-reference.
(b) 1 Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) shall distribute, or enter into any agreement to distribute, a communication containing any image, audio or video of an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) during the ninety-day period preceding any electionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3) or primaryPrimary"Primary" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes.Section 1(a)(6) if: (1) Such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) (A) knows or should reasonably know that such image, audio or video is deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2), or (B) in the case where the individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) depicted therein is a public official or public figure, acts with reckless disregard as to whether such image, audio or video is deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2); (2) The communication containing such deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) is distributed without the consent of such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4); and (3) Such distribution is intended to injure a candidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1) or influence the result of such electionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3) or primaryPrimary"Primary" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes.Section 1(a)(6).
Section 1(b) establishes the bill's core prohibition: no person may distribute — or agree to distribute — a communication containing an image, audio, or video of an individual during the 90-day period preceding any election or primary if three conditions are met. First, the person must know or reasonably should know the content is deceptive synthetic media, with a lower reckless-disregard standard for depictions of public officials or public figures. Second, the depicted individual must not have consented. Third, the distribution must be intended to injure a candidate or influence an election or primary result. The prohibition is subject to the disclaimer safe harbor and exemptions in subsections (c) and (g).
(c)(1)(A)–(C) 2 A personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) may distribute, or enter into an agreement to distribute, a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) during the ninety-day period preceding a primaryPrimary"Primary" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-372 of the general statutes.Section 1(a)(6) or electionElection"Election" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-1 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(3) if: (1) For such deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) that: (A) Is an image or consists only of an image, (i) a disclaimer stating "This communication contains an image that has been manipulated" or "This image has been manipulated", as applicable, or using substantially the same words, appears in text that is clearly visible to and easily readable by the average viewer, and (ii) in the case of any such image that was generated by editing or manipulating an existing image, a citation directing such viewer to the original source from which the unedited or unmanipulated version of such existing image was obtained; (B) Consists only of audio, (i) a disclaimer stating "This communication contains audio that has been manipulated", or using substantially the same words, is read in a clearly spoken manner, in a pitch that can be easily heard by the average listener and in the same language as the deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) and any other language such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) should reasonably expect such listener to speak or understand, and which disclaimer is read at the beginning of such communication, at the end of such communication and, if such communication is greater than one minute in length, interspersed within such communication at not less frequently than thirty-second intervals, and (ii) in the case of any such audio that was generated by editing or manipulating existing audio, a citation directing such listener to the original source from which the unedited or unmanipulated version of such existing audio was obtained; or (C) Is a video, (i) a disclaimer stating "This communication contains video that has been manipulated", or using substantially the same words, appears in text that is clearly visible to and easily readable by the average viewer and is in the same language as the deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) and any other language such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) should reasonably expect such viewer to speak or understand, and which disclaimer appears for the duration of such communication, and (ii) in the case of any such video that was generated by editing or manipulating an existing video, a citation directing such viewer to the original source from which the unedited or unmanipulated version of such existing video was obtained;
(c)(2)(A)–(B) 2 Such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) is: (A) A radio station or television station, whether broadcast, cable or satellite and including, but not limited to, any producer or programmer or any certified competitive video service provider, community antenna television company, holder of a certificate of cable franchise authority or holder of a certificate of video franchise authority, as those terms are defined in section 16-1 of the general statutes, or a streaming or other digital broadcast service provider, that (i) broadcasts such communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) as part of a bona fide newscast, news interview, news documentary or other on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events, (ii) (I) retains the disclaimer upon such communication required under subdivision (1) of this subsection, or (II) except in the case of any such on-the-spot coverage, adds such a disclaimer at the time of such broadcast if such communication did not previously include such a disclaimer, and (iii) except in the case of any such on-the-spot coverage for which such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) does not have reason to believe that such communication contains deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2), clearly states in the content of such broadcast that such communication contains deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2); or (B) An Internet web site or regularly published newspaper, magazine or other periodical of general circulation, including, but not limited to, any regularly published periodical of general circulation that is published electronically or on the Internet, that (i) publishes such communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) as part of such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5)'s routine carriage of news and commentary of general interest, (ii) (I) retains the disclaimer upon such communication required under subdivision (1) of this subsection, or (II) adds such a disclaimer at the time of such publication if such communication did not previously include such a disclaimer, and (iii) clearly states in the content of such publication that such communication contains deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2).
Section 1(c) provides two independent paths through which distribution of deceptive synthetic media during the 90-day election window is permitted. Under subdivision (1), any person may distribute the content if it carries a format-specific disclaimer — visible text for images and video, spoken audio disclaimers at specified intervals for audio — plus a citation to the original unmanipulated source where applicable. The disclaimer requirements are prescribed in detail: video disclaimers must appear for the entire duration; audio disclaimers must be read at the beginning, end, and every 30 seconds for communications longer than one minute. Under subdivision (2), broadcast media and periodicals of general circulation are exempt if they carry or add the required disclaimer and clearly state in their coverage that the communication contains deceptive synthetic media.
(d) Whenever a personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) purchases advertising space for the broadcast of a communication described in section 9-621 of the general statutes, which broadcast is by an entity described in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of this section, such entity may require that such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) attest, under penalties of false statement, that such communication does not contain any deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2). If such entity obtains such attestation from such personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5), such entity shall not be liable under this section, unless such entity (1) develops knowledge that such communication contains deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2), and (2) with such knowledge, proceeds to distribute, continue to distribute or enter into an agreement to distribute such communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2).
Section 1(d) creates a limited safe harbor for broadcast entities. When a person purchases advertising space for the broadcast of a political communication, the broadcast entity may require the advertiser to attest under penalty of false statement that the communication does not contain deceptive synthetic media. If such an attestation is obtained, the broadcast entity is shielded from liability unless it subsequently develops actual knowledge that the communication contains deceptive synthetic media and nonetheless proceeds to distribute it.
(e)(1)–(2) If an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) violates the provisions of subsection (b) of this section with the intent to distribute a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) to an audience and such audience exceeds one thousand individualsIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4), such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor, except that: (A) If such violation was committed with the intent to (i) cause violence or bodily harm, or (ii) distribute a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) to an audience and such audience exceeds ten thousand individualsIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4), such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor; and (B) If such violation was committed less than five years after a prior conviction under subsection (b) of this section, such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) shall be guilty of a class D felony. (2) Any penalty imposed under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be in addition to any injunctive or other equitable relief or any general or special damages ordered under subsection (f) of this section.
Section 1(e) establishes tiered criminal penalties for individuals who violate the distribution prohibition in subsection (b). The base offense — distributing deceptive synthetic media with intent to reach an audience exceeding 1,000 individuals — is a class C misdemeanor. The penalty escalates to a class A misdemeanor if the violation was committed with intent to cause violence or bodily harm, or if the intended audience exceeds 10,000 individuals. A repeat violation within five years of a prior conviction is a class D felony. Criminal penalties are expressly cumulative with civil relief under subsection (f).
(f)(1)–(3) The Attorney General, an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) described in subsection (b) of this section, or a candidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1) who alleges that such candidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1) has been or is likely to be injured by the distribution of a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) in violation of the provisions of said subsection, may commence a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking to permanently enjoin any personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) whose violation of the provisions of said subsection is reasonably believed to be imminent, or who is in the course of violating the provisions of said subsection, and other equitable relief. (B) An individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) described in subsection (b) of this section, or a candidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1) who has been injured by the distribution of a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) in violation of the provisions of said subsection, may commence a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking to recover general or special damages resulting from such distribution. (2) In any civil action commenced under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the plaintiff shall bear the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant distributed, or will imminently distribute, a communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) in violation of the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. (3) Any party, other than the Attorney General, who prevails in a civil action commenced under subdivision (1) of this subsection may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs to be taxed by the court.
Section 1(f) creates a dual civil enforcement mechanism. The Attorney General, the depicted individual, or an injured candidate may seek injunctive and equitable relief against imminent or ongoing violations. The depicted individual or an injured candidate may separately sue for general or special damages. The plaintiff bears the burden of proving the violation by clear and convincing evidence — a heightened standard above preponderance. Any prevailing party other than the Attorney General may recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(g)(1)–(3) The provisions of subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, of this section shall not apply to (A) any image, audio or video of an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4), or any representation of an individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4)'s speech or conduct that is substantially derived from an image, audio or video, that constitutes parody or satire, provided a reasonable personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) would not believe that such individualIndividual"Individual" means a human being;Section 1(a)(4) in fact engaged in speech or conduct as depicted in such image, audio or video, or (B) any political advertising or campaign communication the distribution of which is required by law, including, but not limited to, 47 USC 315 and any rule or regulation prescribed thereunder, as amended from time to time. (2) It shall not be a violation of the provisions of subsection (b) of this section for a personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) who is required to distribute, or who is required to enter into an agreement to distribute, any communication containing deceptive synthetic mediaDeceptive synthetic media"Deceptive synthetic media" means any image, audio or video of an individual, and any representation of such individual's speech or conduct that is substantially derived from any such image, audio or video, which a reasonable person would believe depicts the speech or conduct of such individual when such individual did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct;Section 1(a)(2) to do so for the purpose of complying with the prohibition set forth in 47 USC 315, or any rule or regulation prescribed thereunder, as amended from time to time, against censorship over the material broadcast by a legally qualified candidateCandidate"Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election, or election to public office whether or not such individual is elected;Section 1(a)(1), as defined in 47 CFR 73.1940, as amended from time to time. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on a personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) engaged in the provision of (A) broadband Internet service, as defined in 47 CFR 8, as amended from time to time, or a telecommunications service, as defined in section 16-247a of the general statutes, for the transmission of content provided by another personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) or for the routine delivery of an electronic mail message, as defined in section 53-454 of the general statutes, (B) direct-to-home satellite services, as defined in 47 USC 303, as amended from time to time, or any affiliate of a personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5) providing the services described in this subparagraph, or (C) cable service, as defined in 47 USC 522, as amended from time to time, for the transmission of content provided by another personPerson"Person" has the same meaning as provided in section 9-601 of the general statutes;Section 1(a)(5).
Section 1(g) carves out three categories from the bill's reach. First, parody and satire are exempt, provided a reasonable person would not believe the depicted individual actually engaged in the speech or conduct shown. Second, political advertising whose distribution is required by federal law — including the equal-time obligation under 47 USC 315 — is exempt. Third, the bill expressly disclaims any liability for broadband Internet service providers, telecommunications services, direct-to-home satellite services, and cable service providers acting as passive conduits for content provided by another person.