HB 2124: Synthetic digital content; definition, penalty, report, effective clause.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Synthetic digital content; penalty; work group. Expands the applicability of provisions related to defamation, slander, and libel to include synthetic digital content, defined in the bill. The bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to use any synthetic digital content for the purpose of committing any criminal offense involving fraud, constituting a separate and distinct offense with punishment separate and apart from any punishment received for the commission of the primary criminal offense. The bill also authorizes the individual depicted in the synthetic digital content to bring a civil action against the person who violates such prohibition to recover actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and such other relief as the court determines to be appropriate. The bill directs the Attorney General to convene a work group to study and make recommendations on the current enforcement of laws related to the use of synthetic digital content, including deepfakes, and any further action needed to address the issue of such use in fraudulent acts. The substantive provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly and the provisions directing the Attorney General to convene a work group become effective in due course. This bill is identical to SB 1053.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0398)
2. March 24, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 398 (Effective - see bill )
3. March 3, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 3, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 3, 2025
5. February 22, 2025Signed by President
6. February 19, 2025Signed by Speaker
7. February 19, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2124)
8. February 19, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2124ER)
9. February 19, 2025Enrolled
10. February 14, 2025Senate Amendment agreed to by House (Y-88 N-7 A-0)
11. February 12, 2025Passed Senate with amendment (39-Y 0-N)
12. February 12, 2025Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 30 actions. Full history