S 2543 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election.*

This bill prohibits distributing deceptive audio or visual media (commonly called "deepfakes") that falsely depict a candidate's speech or actions within 90 days of an election, with intent to deceive voters. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law requires clear disclosures (e.g., "This contains manipulated images") to avoid penalties, and exempts news organizations reporting newsworthy facts if they label the media as non-authentic. Voters and affected candidates can seek court injunctions or damages for violations. The bill does not apply to media outlets routinely publishing news with proper disclosures.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 8, 2024 Last action Oct 24, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Oct 24, 2024
Committee
Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
upper
Feb 8, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul Moriarty
Paul Moriarty
DDemocratic
NJ
4