Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 868: Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 868 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Political campaign advertisements; synthetic media, penalty. Primary sponsor: Rae Cousins (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 6, 2026): Continued to next session in Privileges and Elections (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Elections; political campaign advertisements; synthetic media; penalty. Prohibits electioneering communications containing synthetic media, as those terms are defined in the bill, from being published or broadcast without containing the following conspicuously displayed statement: "This message contains synthetic media that has been altered from its original source or artificially generated and may present conduct or speech that did not occur." The bill creates a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for a violation of such prohibition and a Class 1 misdemeanor for a willful violation. The bill permits any registered voter who receives an electioneering communication in violation of this requirement to institute an action for preventative relief to prohibit the publication or dissemination of such electioneering communication, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rae Cousins | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 79 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Privileges and Elections (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 2-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB868)
- Assigned HPE sub: Campaigns and Candidates
- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103803D