The Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 366 on April 30, 2025, criminalizing political memes without government disclaimers. The bill, authored by former House Speaker Dade Phelan and driven by concerns over AI-altered media, seeks to protect voters from manipulated political ads.
The law requires disclosure for substantially altered images, audio or video in political ads spending over $100 and applies to candidates, officeholders and committees. Violators face a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000, while critics warn it risks suppressing free speech. The bill has sparked widespread backlash over free speech concerns and uncertain Senate support, reflecting a contentious shift in election ethics rules.
