OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to protect Oklahomans from the harmful use of artificial intelligence and deepfake content passed unanimously in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
House Bill 3299The legislation, authored by Rep. Neil Hayes (R-Checotah), would make it illegal to create and distribute digitized or synthetic media depicting the name, image, voice, or likeness of another person without their written consent if it is done with the intent to cause emotional, economic, reputational, or physical harm.
“As we wake up to more sophisticated AI-generated media every day, we must recommit to fundamental truths in advertising and the fundamental rights of all Oklahomans,” Hayes said. “Every Oklahoman has the right to control their name, likeness and voice and to know that they are accurately portrayed, especially when they are portrayed to influence the public.”
Under the measure, violations would be considered misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. If the crime results in economic harm exceeding $25,000 or involves extortion, coercion, or threats, the crime is upgraded to a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The bill also addresses political advertising. Digital or synthetic media used in political advertising must be clearly disclosed. Failure to disclose is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $2,500. Media advertising agencies must obtain signed certificates from content creators indicating whether their advertisements contain digitized or synthetically modified material.
If approved and signed by Congress, House Bill 3299 would bring Oklahoma into line with Tennessee. Act on Security of Portrait Rights, Sound and Images Extending these protections to all individuals in 2024 (ELVIS Act). Although enacted in some states, similar laws Hayes said the measure recognizes minors and public figures that everyone has a fundamental right to control their name, image, likeness and voice as personal property.
“This technology is moving faster than most people realize,” Hayes said. “Guardrails need to be put in place to ensure that individuals’ identities are not manipulated or misused.”
HB3299 now moves to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee.
