Texas House Passes Bill Criminalizing Political Memes

The Texas House of Representatives has passed House Bill 366, which would criminalize the distribution of political memes and other altered media in political advertising without a government-approved disclaimer. The bill targets images, audio, or video that have been substantially altered, especially through generative AI, and applies to candidates, officeholders, and political committees spending over $100 on such materials. Violators could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine, with enforcement overseen by the Texas Ethics Commission. Supporters argue the law aims to prevent election misinformation, but critics from across the political spectrum warn it poses a significant threat to free speech, satire, and political parody, raising concerns about First Amendment violations and potential government overreach. The legislation has sparked widespread backlash and debate in Texas and awaits further consideration in the state Senate. Legal experts and advocacy groups have labeled the bill unconstitutional and an attack on protected speech.