House Bill 26-016

This bill clarifies that individuals who create, generate, or distribute content using artificial intelligence systems remain legally responsible for the resulting content and any civil harm caused by its use. The bill establishes that the use of artificial intelligence does not reduce or eliminate civil liability where conduct would otherwise constitute defamation, invasion of privacy, misappropriation of likeness, or intentional infliction of emotional distress under existing law.

The legislation responds to the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images, audio, and written content that may falsely depict identifiable individuals. The bill specifies that users who knowingly or recklessly create or distribute AI-generated content that causes harm may be held civilly liable to the same extent as if they had created the content without the use of artificial intelligence.

The bill also authorizes courts to issue injunctive relief, including removal or cessation of distribution of harmful AI-generated content. Technology providers that merely supply artificial intelligence tools are not held liable solely for providing access, absent knowing participation in unlawful conduct.

The purpose of the Act is to clarify responsibility for the misuse of artificial intelligence while preserving lawful expression, research, and legitimate uses of AI technology.