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House approves package to curb AI impersonation and nonconsensual image harms
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Summary
The House adopted a committee substitute (HCS for HB1887) that outlaws intentional AI impersonation and creates civil remedies and enforcement authority for nonconsensual image manipulation (with special protections for minors); floor debate focused on definitions, enforcement, and whether to include task forces or sunsets.
The Missouri House adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 18‑87, a multi-part package aimed at preventing deceptive AI impersonation and protecting people (particularly minors) from nonconsensual use of images and AI-generated deepfakes.
The bill sponsor, the lady from Saint Charles (S50), told members the legislation draws a clear line: "If you intentionally use AI to harm, deceive, or exploit, there are consequences." She said the attorney general would have enforcement authority for intentional impersonation and that victims could pursue civil remedies to remove or enjoin harmful digital depictions. (Lady from Saint Charles, S50.)
A substantial floor amendment offered by the gentleman from Pulaski (S51) combined several related measures — including a Megan Meier‑style parental account requirement for minors and definitions addressing cyberbullying and altered images — and was adopted after discussion. Members raised questions about specific language (for example, concerns that terms such as "annoy" might be too broad) and about preserving lawful activities such as journalism and legitimate expression; sponsors said the bill includes carve-outs to protect journalism and legal practice.
Supporters emphasized the law is overdue and that technologies enabling fake images and videos can cause rapid reputational and personal harm. Several members urged caution on definitions and suggested task forces or sunsets to revisit the law as the technology evolves; the sponsor said the bill is intended as a starting point and could be refined in future sessions.
The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered it perfected and printed by voice vote.
Why it matters: Members described rapidly evolving AI and deepfake tools that can produce fake images and videos, sometimes used to humiliate, scam, or harm people — particularly minors. Passage gives Missouri a statutory pathway for victims to seek removal and for the attorney general to pursue enforcement of intentional impersonation and exploitation provisions.
What comes next: The House perfected and printed the committee substitute; technical concerns about definitions and possible implementation details (including an explicit fiscal or enforcement plan) were discussed but not resolved on the floor. Sponsors indicated they expect to continue refining the measure.