Tennessee House Bill HB2501

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Failed: 3/6/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to political communications.

Impact

With the introduction of this bill, political advertisements and communications will be required to include specific disclaimers when they utilize synthetic media. This change is expected to impact how campaigns create and disseminate political content, as candidates will need to modify their strategies to comply with the disclosure requirements. The measure aims to improve the integrity of political communications, particularly in light of growing concerns around the manipulation of information and trust in electoral processes.

Summary

House Bill 2501 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, by introducing regulations pertaining to political communications that incorporate synthetic media. The primary focus of the bill is to mandate that any political communication, whether printed or digital, which has been produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence, must disclose this information clearly. The intention behind this regulation is to ensure transparency and enable consumers to understand the origins of the content they encounter during election cycles.

Contention

While supporters argue that HB2501 promotes transparency and accountability in political communications, there may be contention surrounding its implementation and enforcement. Critics might express concerns regarding the definitions of 'synthetic media' and the potential for overreach in regulating content that is inherently creative or artistic in nature. Additionally, there are questions about how this bill could impact smaller campaigns or grassroots efforts, which may lack the resources to comply with these new regulations effectively. The balance between regulation and freedom of expression will likely be a focal point of discussion among legislators.