Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2150

Introduced
1/26/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the use of artificial intelligence for purposes associated with elections, ballot issues, and public officials, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

Impact

The enactment of HF2150 would significantly reform campaign finance laws by introducing regulations specifically targeting materials produced through the use of AI. It prohibits depictions that could mislead voters about a candidate's actions or behaviors, thus aiming to preserve the integrity of election campaigns. Violations of these provisions could lead to serious misdemeanors, resulting in confinement and fines. Political committees and public officials could face significantly higher penalties for failing to comply with the new stipulations, thereby reinforcing the bill's intentions of ensuring responsible use of AI in political content.

Summary

House File 2150 addresses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) pertaining to elections, ballot issues, and public officials. The bill mandates that any published materials generated using AI, which advocate for or against candidates or ballot measures, must clearly disclose their AI-generated nature. This aims to ensure transparency and credibility in campaign communications. The legal definition of AI within the bill encompasses systems that make predictions and decisions based on human-defined objectives. Furthermore, the bill seeks to establish boundaries for AI's role in political discourse.

Contention

While the bill is positioned to enhance transparency in political campaigning, it is likely to prompt debates over its implications for free speech and the potential chilling effects on political expression. Critics may argue that these restrictions could hinder creative and legitimate political messaging, restrict access to innovative campaign strategies, and disproportionately affect candidates with fewer resources who rely on AI-generated materials. The balance between regulating misleading information and preserving robust electoral discourse will be a central point of contention as the bill progresses through legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB294

A bill for an act relating to artificial intelligence, including the use of artificial intelligence to create materials related to elections and protections in interactions with artificial intelligence systems, and making penalties applicable.

IA SF2166

A bill for an act relating to the publication of electioneering communications containing synthetic media, and providing penalties.

IA HF507

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, and making penalties applicable.

IA HSB752

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2646.)

IA HF2646

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 752.)

IA SSB3039

A bill for an act relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable.

IA SF2204

A bill for an act relating to campaign finance, including participation in ballot issue campaigns by foreign nationals and investigations of election misconduct, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SF 2078.)

IA HB149

Relating to regulation of the use of artificial intelligence systems in this state; providing civil penalties.

IA HSB643

A bill for an act relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2609.)

IA HF2609

A bill for an act relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 643.)

Similar Bills

CA AB1651

State Bar of California: artificial intelligence.

OR HB4103

Relating to artificial intelligence.

NJ A3307

Regulates artificial intelligence in news media industry; establishes "Artificial Intelligence In Communications Oversight Committee."

MD HB1391

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Testing and Inspection - Grounds for Failure

CT SB00002

An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence.

OR HB3592

Relating to artificial intelligence.

OK SB1734

Schools; creating the Oklahoma Responsible Technology in Schools Act; requiring development of guidance for use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Effective date. Emergency.

ME LD2082

An Act to Regulate the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Providing Certain Mental Health Services