LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6619 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 22, 2023
BILL NUMBER: HB 1283 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Use of Altered Media in Elections.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Johnson BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: Fabricated Media– The bill defines "fabricated media" as recorded audio, a
recorded image, or recorded video of an individual's speech, appearance, or conduct: (1) that has been altered
without the individual's consent such that: (A) the media conveys a materially inaccurate depiction of the
individual's speech, appearance, or conduct; and (B) a reasonable person would be unable to recognize that
the recording has been altered; or (2) in which an artificially generated audio or visual imitation of an
individual that: (A) has been created without the individual's consent; and (B) is sufficiently lifelike that a
reasonable person would be unable to distinguish the speech or appearance of the imitation from the speech
or appearance of the individual; is used to convey a fictional depiction of the individual's speech, appearance,
or conduct; the creation of which is substantially dependent on the use of a generative adversarial network
or another generative artificial intelligence technology.
Prohibition– The bill prohibits a person who finances a campaign communication from disseminating
fabricated media through the communication if: (1) the person knows, or reasonably should know, that the
media is fabricated media; (2) the fabricated media depicts an individual who: (A) is a candidate in an
election occurring not more than 90 days after the date on which the fabricated media is disseminated; and
(B) has not consented to dissemination of the fabricated media; (3) the purpose of the dissemination is
injuring a candidate in the election or influencing the outcome of the election; and (4) the fabricated media
does not include a disclaimer that meets specified requirements.
Civil Action– It allows a candidate depicted in fabricated media disseminated by a person in violation of this
prohibition to bring a civil action against the person and specifies the relief that a court may grant a
prevailing plaintiff.
HB 1283 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Civil Action– If additional civil cases occur and court fees are
collected, revenue to the state General Fund will increase. The total revenue per case would range between
$100 and $122. The amount deposited will vary depending on whether the case is filed in a court of record
or a municipal court. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court
fees imposed in civil, probate, and small claims cases.
Explanation of Local Expenditures: Civil Action– Courts of jurisdiction may see an increase in caseloads
as a result of this provision. It is likely the courts would be able to take on the additional caseload within
existing staff and resource levels.
Explanation of Local Revenues: Civil Action– If additional cases occur, revenue will be collected by certain
local units. If the case is filed in a court of record, the county will receive $32 and qualifying municipalities
will receive a share of $3. If the case is filed in a municipal court, the county receives $20, and the
municipality will receive $37. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the
revenue: Court fees imposed in civil, probate, and small claims cases.
State Agencies Affected:
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, city and town courts.
Information Sources: Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Baker, 317-232-9851.
HB 1283 2