Fraudulent Artificial Intelligence Regulations (FAIR) Elections Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4774
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T21:24:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to safeguard election integrity by restricting the spread of misleading AI-created content about voting and by limiting how states can remove individuals from voter rolls using unreliable data sources. It also prevents certain federal data comparisons for voter eligibility checks and requires a review of existing federal database uses in elections.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on false AI-generated election media: Defines "false AI-generated election media" as AI-produced text, images, audio, or video that spreads materially false details on election timing, locations, voter eligibility rules, or that falsely shows election officials. It bans knowing distribution of such material if done with intent to block voting or to intimidate officials or voters. Exceptions apply to news broadcasts and publications if they clearly disclose the falsehood.
- Restrictions on voter roll removals: Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to bar states from deleting voters' names unless the decision relies on verified government records or data sets approved by the Attorney General. Approved data must include specific matching details (such as full name plus Social Security number or driver's license), be updated monthly, and not come from illegal sources.
- Ban on federal data matching: Prohibits the federal government from cross-referencing its records with state or local data to assess voter eligibility, with a private right of action allowing affected individuals to seek court orders for relief.
- GAO study requirement: Directs the Comptroller General to examine the use of federal systems like the SAVE database for voter list maintenance, focusing on impacts to voting access, accuracy, and error rates, with a report due within 180 days.
- Severability clause: Ensures that if any part of the law is struck down, the rest remains in effect.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new federal restrictions on AI-generated content in elections, which did not previously exist in this form. It adds Section 8A to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, creating stricter standards for voter list maintenance beyond current provisions in Section 8. It establishes a novel prohibition on federal-state data comparisons for voting purposes and mandates a government-wide study on database-driven voter removals.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires the Attorney General to approve data sources and enforce AI media rules through civil lawsuits; directs the Department of Homeland Security and others to adjust practices around systems like SAVE; and involves the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Election Assistance Commission in data reviews.
- On citizens: Strengthens protections against removal from voter rolls based on unverified challenges and limits federal data use that could affect eligibility, potentially reducing erroneous disenfranchisement while maintaining access to courts for challenges.
- On international relations: No direct effects noted, though the focus on election security could indirectly influence perceptions of U.S. democratic processes abroad.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Voters and eligible citizens, who gain safeguards against misleading media and improper list removals.
- State and local election officials, who face new limits on using certain databases for list maintenance.
- Media organizations and broadcasters, subject to disclosure rules for AI content but protected in news contexts.
- The federal government, including the Attorney General and agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, with expanded oversight and study duties.
- Individuals or groups distributing AI media, who risk civil penalties for violations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The AI media ban raises potential free speech considerations under the First Amendment, balanced by narrow intent requirements and news exemptions. The data-matching prohibition and private right of action could affect federal-state relations and privacy standards in election administration. The emphasis on verified data sources may influence how states handle voter challenges, while the GAO study could inform future policy on voting access without altering core constitutional voting rights frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Fraudulent Artificial Intelligence Regulations (FAIR) Elections Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (10 pages)