91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HSB 643: Relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable

Became HF 2609 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

_____ materials. The bill requires published material (newspaper, magazine, shopper, outdoor advertising facility, poster, direct mailing, brochure, internet site, campaign sign, or other form of printed or electronic general public political advertising, including television, video, or motion picture advertising) that contains synthetic media, defined in the bill, to include a disclosure. The inclusion of the disclosure required by the bill does not preclude a person from pursuing any other remedies under law for the publication of synthetic media.

Cost

See the fiscal note

House File 2609 creates a new offense within Iowa Code chapter 68A, and the number of convictions is unknown. The average State cost per serious misdemeanor is between $350 and $6,200. This includes operating costs incurred by the Judicial Branch, the Indigent…

House subcommittee · named January 29, 2026

Rep. Shannon Lundgren (R) · shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Jacob Bossman (R) · jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Jeff Cooling (D) · jeff.cooling@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 6 for, 1 against

For: Bitches Get Stuff Done; Iowa Cable and Telecommunications Association; Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club; Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board; League of Women Voters of Iowa; VALOR Iowa

Against: Iowa Newspaper Association

In plain words

January 29, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the State Government committee
January 29, 2026House subcommittee named: Lundgren, Bossman and Cooling
February 4, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
February 17, 2026Committee vote: 20–1
February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2609