Louisiana will begin enforcing a series of new artificial intelligence laws Aug. 1 that expand criminal penalties for AI-generated sexual images, require disclosures on certain political advertisements created with artificial intelligence, and establish procedures for using AI-generated evidence in court.
Criminal Penalties for AI-Generated Sexual Images
House Bill 119 expands Louisiana's criminal statutes to address AI-generated sexual imagery, or deepfakes. It mandates five to 20 years in prison at hard labor and a fine up to $10,000 for knowingly creating or possessing AI-generated sexual content depicting a minor, with a minimum of five years served without parole. The law also introduces new offenses for possessing and disseminating non-consensual AI-generated sexually explicit images of other individuals, prompted by a notable incident involving a middle school student.
Disclosure Requirements for AI in Political Advertisements
Effective August 1, House Bill 459 requires political advertisements that contain materially altered AI-generated images, audio, or video to include a clear disclosure. This rule applies to campaign communications distributed by candidates, political action committees, and other political organizations. Non-compliance can lead to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Procedures for AI-Generated Evidence in Courts
Building on previous legislation from the 2025 regular session, new laws taking effect Aug. 1 establish specific procedures for the use of AI-generated evidence in Louisiana courts. Parties intending to introduce such evidence in civil or criminal proceedings must first notify opposing parties before trial. Judges are also authorized to conduct hearings to verify the authenticity and admissibility of AI-generated evidence before it can be presented in court.
Louisiana Data Privacy Act
Separately but relevantly, Louisiana also passed the Louisiana Data Privacy Act during the same legislative session. While not exclusively focused on artificial intelligence, this law grants consumers new rights regarding their personal data collected by businesses, addressing a critical aspect of AI systems that frequently rely on extensive personal information. This act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, positioning Louisiana among states with comprehensive consumer data privacy regulations.
