As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape political campaigns, state lawmakers are moving to keep pace with its growing use in advertising. Back in January 2024, we covered the first wave of state action on AI in campaigns, when a handful of states began enacting deepfake regulations and the Federal Election Commission proposed its own rule targeting deceptive AI-generated content. More than two years later, that early momentum has turned into a broader legislative push. In 2026, state legislatures across the country are introducing and passing bills to regulate AI-generated political advertisements, from mandatory disclosure requirements to outright restrictions on synthetic media in the final days before an election.

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Illinois Expands Disclosure Requirements for AI-Generated Political Advertisements

Illinois advanced SB 2996 during the 2026 legislative session, a proposal requiring that qualified political advertisements generated substantially using AI include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying the use of AI. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and remained active in committee as of mid-2026. This measure is part of a broader effort in Illinois to regulate the use of synthetic media in campaign communications while preserving its use under disclosure-based safeguards.

The legislation would require any political advertisement created, published, or distributed by a candidate, committee, or other entity to disclose whether it was generated in whole or in substantial part by AI. The requirement would apply to a wide range of campaign communications, including digital advertisements, video content, and other paid political messaging. The bill would also authorize civil remedies and penalties for violations, including injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees, and monetary sanctions, signaling a robust enforcement framework even at the proposal stage.

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Maine Requires Disclosure of AI-Altered Political Advertisements

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed LD 517 into law on March 23, 2026, which is designed to increase transparency by requiring campaigns and political action committees to disclose when campaign communications contain images, audio, or video that have been materially manipulated or generated using AI.

Under the law, political advertisements containing synthetic media must include a clear disclaimer informing viewers that the communication contains manipulated or altered content. The disclosure requirement applies to campaign communications already subject to Maine’s campaign finance laws, while certain exceptions exist for parody, satire, and qualifying news reporting. Under the law, the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices may investigate violations and assess civil penalties for noncompliance. As reported by Maine Public, supporters argued the legislation would help voters distinguish authentic campaign content from AI-generated media, while opponents raised concerns about potential First Amendment burdens. Maine’s enactment places it among a growing number of states adopting disclosure-based approaches to address AI-generated political content rather than outright prohibition.

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Mississippi Introduces Disclosure Requirements for AI-Generated Political Advertisements

The Mississippi Senate advanced SB 2050, legislation requiring political advertisements that use AI to include a clear disclosure of that fact. The bill, introduced during the 2026 legislative session, was designed to regulate campaign communications that incorporate AI-generated images, audio, or video intended to influence voters. Although the measure ultimately died in committee on March 3, 2026, it reflects growing state-level efforts to address the use of synthetic media in elections.

Under the proposal, any “qualified political advertisement” that includes content generated in whole or in part by AI would have been required to clearly and conspicuously disclose its use. The bill would have defined covered advertisements broadly to include digital and traditional campaign communications produced by or on behalf of candidates, political committees, or other entities. It would also have established civil penalties for noncompliance, with fines escalating for repeated violations and each distribution of a noncompliant advertisement treated as a separate offense. The enforcement framework would have allowed both private parties and the Attorney General to bring actions against violators.

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Nevada Requires Disclosure of AI-Generated Content in Political Advertising

Nevada enacted AB 73 during the 2025 legislative session, establishing new requirements for political communications that include synthetic media. The law, effective as of January 1, 2026, applies to campaign advertisements made or paid for by candidates, political committees, or other entities that support or oppose candidates or solicit campaign contributions. Under the statute, any political advertisement containing AI-generated or AI-altered images, audio, or video must include a clear and conspicuous disclosure stating that the content has been manipulated. The measure reflects growing state concern over the use of generative AI in election-related messaging and its potential to mislead voters.

Under the 2026 implementation of the law, campaigns must comply with disclosure standards across all major forms of political communication, including digital and broadcast advertising, as enforcement begins ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The statute defines “synthetic media” broadly to capture realistic but false depictions created using AI or related technologies that could materially alter a viewer’s perception of a candidate or message. In addition, AB 73 authorizes candidates depicted in noncompliant advertisements to seek injunctive relief in court, strengthening enforcement options beyond regulatory penalties.

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Vermont Targets Deceptive AI in Campaign Advertising

Vermont moved to address the use of AI in political campaigns when lawmakers approved S.23 (Act 75), legislation requiring disclosures for deceptive AI-generated political advertisements. The bill was approved by the General Assembly in February 2026 and sent to Governor Phil Scott for consideration. The measure is intended to increase transparency while allowing campaigns to continue using AI in political advertising.

Under the legislation, political advertisements distributed within 90 days of an election that use synthetic media to depict a candidate or public official deceptively would include a clear disclosure informing viewers that the content has been manipulated or generated using AI. Rather than prohibiting AI-generated political content outright, the bill focuses on ensuring voters are aware when campaign communications have been materially altered. As Vermont Public reported, lawmakers viewed the measure as a way to protect election integrity while preserving legitimate political speech, reflecting a broader trend among states toward disclosure-based regulation of AI-generated campaign content.

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