Recent legislative actions in Massachusetts have led to significant advancements in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in political advertising, aiming to enhance transparency and protect voters from misinformation. During the week of February 9-13, 2024, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill, known as H 5094, that mandates the disclosure of AI-generated content in political ads.
The bill received overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 157-0. It requires that any synthetic audio or video communication aimed at influencing voter behavior clearly state at the beginning and end that it contains AI-generated materials. Violators of this regulation could face fines of up to $1,000.
Rep. Daniel Hunt, a Democrat from Dorchester and chair of the Committee on Election Laws, emphasized the urgency of this legislation, stating, “AI is no longer theoretical – it is in our everyday lives. Voters deserve to know that what they’re seeing is real.” This measure is part of a broader effort to strengthen election infrastructure and safeguard against the dissemination of misleading content.
In a related development, the House also passed a bill prohibiting deceptive communications within 90 days of an election, known as H 5093. This legislation targets audio and visual content designed to damage a candidate’s reputation or mislead voters about election dates and requirements. The bill received a vote of 154-3 and allows candidates depicted in misleading media to seek legal action against the distributors.
House Speaker Ron Mariano remarked on the importance of these measures, noting, “As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our economy, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that AI does not further the spread of misinformation in our politics.” Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Brad Jones expressed concern about the broad implications of the legislation, arguing that it could hinder grassroots campaigns and infringe on First Amendment rights.
The week also saw the House reject an amendment that would have moved the state primary date four weeks earlier, from September to August. The proposal was ultimately defeated with a vote of 25-132, with opponents arguing it should be considered separately.
In the Senate, the approved bill S 2946 aims to modernize the certification process for certified public accountants (CPAs), allowing for greater workforce growth in response to consumer demand. It combines educational requirements with practical experience, facilitating entry into the profession while maintaining high standards.
Additionally, the Senate passed S 2945, a bill enhancing consumer protections for vehicle buyers. This legislation expands the state’s Lemon Law, allowing buyers to void sales if a vehicle fails inspection within seven days of delivery. It also raises the mileage cap for used car warranties and strengthens penalties for auto sale fraud.
Legislation addressing housing discrimination was also approved in the Senate. Bill S 2947 mandates fair housing training for real estate agents and enhances enforcement of the Fair Housing Law to ensure equal access to housing for all Massachusetts residents.
Moreover, the House initiated discussions on H 3678, which requires state highway employees to notify pet owners if deceased animals with identification are found on highways. This proposed law is aimed at providing closure to grieving families.
As Massachusetts lawmakers continue to refine these regulations, the implications for both voters and consumers remain significant. Through these legislative actions, the state seeks to enhance transparency, protect rights, and uphold ethical standards in an increasingly complex digital landscape.