H 5093 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to protect against election misinformation

H 5093 prohibits the intentional distribution of materially deceptive election content within 90 days of an election. It bans fabricated audio/video depicting candidates to harm their reputation or disrupt elections, and false communications about election dates, voting rules, or endorsements. Candidates or individuals whose likeness is misused can sue for damages or injunctions, but must prove the deception with clear evidence. Key exemptions include news broadcasts disclosing authenticity concerns, satire, and traditional media like newspapers. The bill passed the House (154-3) and now awaits Senate committee review.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026
Floor votes · House Feb 11, 2026

How they voted

1503
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 154
Feb 11, 2026
D Democratic128
124 Yea 3 Nay 1
96% Yea
I Independent1
1 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican25
25 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
2
Feb 12, 2026
Committee
Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed to be engrossed - 154 YEAS to 3 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 125 )
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Amended
Amendment 3 rejected - 12 YEAS to 145 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 124 )
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Amended
Amendment 1 rejected - 25 YEAS to 132 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 123 )
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.