Texas House Bill HB142

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/21/25

Caption

Relating to required disclosures on certain political advertising that contains altered media; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB142 would create a new legal framework governing how political advertisements are produced and disseminated. The law imposes a Class A misdemeanor charge for those who violate its provisions, which could deter some political actors from using manipulated media. It also stipulates that the Texas Election Commission will prescribe specific rules regarding the disclosures required, thereby standardizing how these alterations must be communicated to the public. This change in policy underscores a significant shift towards greater accountability in political advertising, which could enhance democratic processes by fostering informed voter decisions.

Summary

House Bill 142 aims to regulate political advertising by mandating disclosures for advertisements that contain altered media, particularly those manipulated using artificial intelligence. The bill seeks to address growing concerns around misinformation in political campaigns, ensuring that voters have clear information about the authenticity of media they encounter. Specifically, the bill prohibits the publication of altered images, audio, or video associated with political figures unless it meets specific disclosure standards that clarify the media's alteration or lack of authenticity.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions around censorship and the potential burden it may impose on political free speech. Critics may argue that the regulations on altered media could unintentionally limit creative expressions or legitimate uses of media in political discourse. On the other hand, supporters contend that without such measures, the risks of misinformation proliferating could severely undermine the electoral process. As the political landscape evolves with advancing technology, the discussions surrounding HB142 highlight the complexities of balancing regulation and freedom of expression in the digital age.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 255. Regulating Political Advertising And Campaign Communications
  • Section: New Section