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HB639 • 2026

ELECTIONS/CAMPAIGNS: Requires disclosure of the use of artificial intelligence in telephone campaign communications

ELECTIONS/CAMPAIGNS: Requires disclosure of the use of artificial intelligence in telephone campaign communications

Elections Technology
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Mike Bayham
Last action
2026-05-26
Official status
Sent to Governor
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact penalties for non-compliance and enforcement details are not fully specified in the provided summary.

Requires Disclosure for AI-Generated Campaign Calls

This bill requires disclosure at the start of any campaign-related phone call made using artificial intelligence, especially if it mimics a public figure's voice.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds rules that require clear disclosure at the beginning of any campaign-related phone call made using artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Defines 'artificial intelligence' and other terms related to campaign communications.
  • Exempts certain internet, radio, and television services from liability for content provided by others.
  • Sets fines for not following these rules: up to $2,500 for the first offense and up to $5,000 for repeat offenses.
  • Gives the Board of Ethics responsibility for enforcing these new rules.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who make or cause others to make campaign-related phone calls using AI technology.
  • The Louisiana Board of Ethics, which will enforce and administer the regulations.
  • Internet service providers, cloud providers, cybersecurity providers, radio broadcasters, television operators, programmers, and producers.

Terms To Know

Artificial intelligence
Technology that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as making phone calls in the voice of a public figure.
Automated call
A telephone call made using a prerecorded or artificial voice to deliver information during a campaign.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify when it will become law, as it is awaiting the Governor's approval.
  • It only applies to phone calls and automated messages used in political campaigns.
  • Details about how fines are enforced or collected are not provided.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

Filed

Plain English: The amendment to HB639 requires disclosure when artificial intelligence is used in telephone campaign communications if the AI mimics a public figure's voice, including elected officials or limited public figures.

  • Requires clear and understandable disclosure at the beginning of any phone call using AI with the voice of a public figure, such as an elected official or limited public figure.
  • Limits liability for telecommunications and internet providers who are not responsible for content provided by others.
  • Expands the definition of 'elected public official' to include those holding office in other U.S. states or federal offices.
  • The amendment text does not specify all details about how disclosure should be made, leaving some aspects unclear.
Filed

Plain English: The amendment requires political campaigns to disclose when they use artificial intelligence in phone calls during election periods.

  • Political campaigns must now reveal if they are using AI for telephone communications with voters.
  • The official text does not provide specific details on how the disclosure should be made or what information is required to be disclosed, which limits a full explanation of the amendment's practical implementation.
Adopted

Plain English: HFAHB639 3645 3606 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY HOUSE FLOOR AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Representative Bayham to Engrossed House Bill No.

  • HFAHB639 3645 3606 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY HOUSE FLOOR AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Representative Bayham to Engrossed House Bill No.
  • 639 by Representative Bayham 1 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 1 2 On page 2, line 22, delete "316, and 373," and insert "373, and 442," Page 1 of 1 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions.
Adopted

Plain English: HCAHB639 3645 3316 HOUSE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to Original House Bill No.

  • HCAHB639 3645 3316 HOUSE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to Original House Bill No.
  • 639 by Representative Bayham 1 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 1 2 On page 1, delete lines 2 and 3 and at the beginning of line 4, delete "materials and" and 3 insert the following: 4 "To amend and reenact R.S.
  • 18:1463.1(D) and (E) and R.S.
Draft

Plain English: HCAHB639 3645 2029 HOUSE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to Original House Bill No.

  • HCAHB639 3645 2029 HOUSE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to Original House Bill No.
  • 639 by Representative Bayham 1 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 1 2 On page 1, delete lines 2 and 3 and at the beginning of line 4, delete "materials and" and 3 insert the following: 4 "To amend and reenact R.S.
  • 18:1463.1(D) and (E) and R.S.
Adopted

Plain English: The amendment adds requirements to disclose when artificial intelligence is used in telephone campaign communications and specifies that this includes using the voice of a public figure like an elected official or someone involved in public controversies.

  • Adds language requiring disclosure if AI uses the voice of a public figure, including elected officials or limited public figures.
  • Expands the definition of 'public office' to include federal positions and offices in other U.S. states.
  • Defines 'limited public figure' as someone who is not widely known but has become involved in significant public debates.
  • Inserts a new definition for 'public figure', describing individuals who are well-known or influential in resolving important societal issues.
  • The amendment text does not specify how the disclosure requirements will be enforced or what penalties might apply if they are not followed.
Adopted

Plain English: The amendment adds specific definitions for certain types of internet and technology providers in the bill.

  • Adds a new section that defines an 'internet service provider,' 'cloud provider,' 'cybersecurity provider,' and any provider of information or telecommunications services as defined by federal law.
  • The amendment does not explain how these definitions will be used in the context of the bill's main purpose, which is to require disclosure of artificial intelligence use in telephone campaign communications.
Adopted

Plain English: SLBHB639 2395 3011 LEGISLATIVE BUREAU AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Legislative Bureau to Reengrossed House Bill No.

  • SLBHB639 2395 3011 LEGISLATIVE BUREAU AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Legislative Bureau to Reengrossed House Bill No.
  • 639 by Representative Bayham 1 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 1 2 In Senate Committee Amendment No.
  • 3 proposed by the Senate Committee on Senate and 3 Governmental Affairs and adopted by the Senate on April 29, 2026, on page 1, line 9, 4 change "§230" to "230" Page 1 of 1
Adopted

Plain English: The amendment adds a new section (H) and changes references in the bill to include this new section, while also adding protections for certain entities from liability related to content provided by others.

  • Adds a new section (H) that protects interactive computer services, internet service providers, cloud providers, cybersecurity providers, communications service providers, telecommunications networks, and radio or television broadcasters from liability for content provided by another person.
  • Updates references in the bill text to include the newly added sections (F), (G), and (H).
  • The exact implications of these changes on specific entities' responsibilities are not fully detailed in the amendment.
Draft

Plain English: SCAHB639 471 2785 SENATE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to Reengrossed House Bill No.

  • SCAHB639 471 2785 SENATE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS 2026 Regular Session Amendments proposed by Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs to Reengrossed House Bill No.
  • 639 by Representative Bayham 1 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 1 2 On page 1, line 3, change "(F) and (G)" to "(F), (G), and (H)" 3 AMENDMENT NO.
  • 2 4 On page 1, line 10, change "(F) and (G)" to "(F), (G), and (H)" 5 AMENDMENT NO.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-26 H

    Sent to the Governor for executive approval.

  2. 2026-05-25 S

    Signed by the President of the Senate.

  3. 2026-05-25 H

    Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.

  4. 2026-05-20 H

    Read by title, roll called, yeas 90, nays 0, Senate amendments concurred in.

  5. 2026-05-19 H

    Scheduled for concurrence on 05/20/2026.

  6. 2026-05-13 H

    Received from the Senate with amendments.

  7. 2026-05-12 S

    Rules suspended. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title, passed by a vote of 33 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

  8. 2026-05-04 S

    Reported with Legislative Bureau amendments which were read and adopted. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.

  9. 2026-04-29 S

    Committee amendments read and adopted. Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.

  10. 2026-04-28 S

    Reported with amendments.

  11. 2026-04-20 S

    Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs.

  12. 2026-04-15 S

    Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.

  13. 2026-04-14 H

    Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 85, nays 11. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.

  14. 2026-04-13 H

    Scheduled for floor debate on 04/14/2026.

  15. 2026-04-09 H

    Read by title, amended, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.

  16. 2026-04-08 H

    Reported with amendments (10-0).

  17. 2026-03-09 H

    Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs.

  18. 2026-02-27 H

    First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 2/27/2026.

  19. 2026-02-27 H

    Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs.

  20. 2026-02-27 H

    Prefiled.

Official Summary Text

ELECTIONS/CAMPAIGNS: Requires disclosure of the use of artificial intelligence in telephone campaign communications

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 639
BY REPRESENTATIVES BAYHAM AND MANDIE LANDRY
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 18:1463.1(D) and (E) and R.S. 42:1132(D) and to enact R.S.
3 18:1463.1(F), (G), and (H), relative to required disclosures in telephone campaign
4 communications; to provide for disclosures related to the use of artificial
5 intelligence; to provide for the administration and enforcement of the regulation of
6 telephone campaign communications by the Board of Ethics; and to provide for
7 related matters.
8 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
9 Section 1. R.S. 18:1463.1(D) and (E) are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S.
10 18:1463.1(F), (G), and (H) are hereby enacted to read as follows:
11 §1463.1. Telephone campaign communications; disclosure
12 * * *
13 D. No person shall make or cause to be made any telephone call or
14 automated call provided for in this Section which is created using artificial
15 intelligence, using the voice of a public figure, including an elected official or
16 limited public figure, without providing a clear and understandable disclosure at the
17 beginning of the call that it was created using artificial intelligence.
18 E. For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the following
19 meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
20 (1) "Artificial intelligence" shall have the same meaning as provided in R.S.
21 14:73.14.
22 (1) (2) "Automated call" includes any call using a prerecorded or artificial
23 voice as part of a calling campaign to deliver information.
Page 1 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HB NO. 639 ENROLLED
1 (2) (3) "Candidate", "person", "political committee" or "committee",
2 "principal campaign committee", "subsidiary committee", and "public office" shall
3 have the meanings provided in R.S. 18:1483.
4 (3) (4) "Elected public official" means an individual who holds public office
5 in this state or any other state in the United States or holds any federal office.
6 (5) "Limited public figure" means a person who is not a household name but
7 has found themselves in the forefront of a public controversy.
8 (4) (6) "Message testing" means studying for research purposes how
9 individuals react to positive or negative information on a candidate, elected public
10 official, or ballot proposition.
11 (7) "Public figure" means a person who is intimately involved in the
12 resolution of important public questions, or by reason of his fame shapes events in
13 areas of concern to society, a famous person, or person of prominence who performs
14 services at discrete events, such as speeches, public appearances, or similar events,
15 for compensation on a per-event basis.
16 F. The provisions of this Section shall not impose liability on any of the
17 following entities as a result of content provided by another person:
18 (1) An interactive computer service as defined in 47 U.S.C. 230.
19 (2) An internet service provider, cloud provider, cybersecurity provider, or
20 any provider of an information service as defined by 47 U.S.C. 153(24) or a
21 telecommunications service as defined by 47 U.S.C. 153(53).
22 (3) A radio or television broadcaster, including a cable or satellite television
23 operator, programmer, or producer.
24 E. G. Whoever violates any provision of this Section may be punished by a
25 civil fine not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars. Upon a second or
26 subsequent violation, the penalty shall be a civil fine not to exceed five thousand
27 dollars.
28 H. The Board of Ethics shall administer and enforce the provisions of this
29 Section.
Page 2 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HB NO. 639 ENROLLED
1 Section 2. R.S. 42:1132(D) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
2 §1132. Board of Ethics
3 * * *
4 D. Additional Jurisdiction. The Board of Ethics shall administer and enforce
5 the provisions of R.S. 18:1463.1, R.S. 27:63, 96, 226, 261, 316, and 373, and 442,
6 Part III of Chapter 1 of Title 24 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Part IV
7 of Chapter 1 of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Chapter 46 of
8 Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and R.S. 47:9072.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA
APPROVED:
Page 3 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.