North Carolina Lawmakers Rejected AI Political Disclosure

The state lacks mandated transparency for AI-generated campaign ads while 31 other states have enacted regulations.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stone plinth with the outline of North Carolina, representing state policy impasse. — North Carolina lawmakers have repeatedly blocked mandates requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertisements, leaving the state without transparency regulations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should political candidates be required by law to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in ads?

North Carolina has not implemented state-level regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements. Despite several legislative attempts, including failed bills and rejected amendments, no requirement for AI disclosure currently exists for election campaigns in the state.

Why it matters

The absence of disclosure requirements leaves voters without clear indicators when viewing synthetic images or videos of candidates. This status quo persists as legislative leaders have repeatedly blocked measures aimed at mandating transparency in political communications.

Thirty-one states now regulate AI in political campaigning compared to North Carolina, which has no such mandate. House Bill 375, which would have required AI disclosure, failed to secure a committee hearing, and similar amendments to HB 301 were rejected by leadership.

The players

Michael Lee

A Republican state Senator in North Carolina who utilized AI-generated advertising in a state Senate race in New Hanover County.

Jessica Bichler

An individual who issued a cease-and-desist letter to Michael Lee concerning the use of AI in campaign advertisements.

The details

Campaigns in the state have used artificial intelligence to generate imagery and video content of political opponents. Legislators have debated mandating disclosure labels, but these efforts, including Democratic amendments to broader social media legislation like HB 301, have been repeatedly blocked by Republican leadership.

Last year: Lawmakers sponsored House Bill 375 regarding AI disclosure.
Earlier this year: The legislature rejected Democratic amendments to HB 301.
September 21, 2026: Article publication date.

The Tech Race

North Carolina stands apart from the 31 states that have enacted transparency requirements for AI in political campaigning. This legislative inaction marks a departure from the growing national consensus toward mandating disclosure for synthetic media in election cycles.

North Carolina voters currently have no state-level legal protection requiring disclosure for AI-generated political advertisements. Residents should remain aware that digital campaign materials may contain non-disclosed synthetic imagery or video content.

The takeaway

Legislative gridlock has stalled efforts to standardize AI transparency in North Carolina elections. Voters should watch for future sessions of the General Assembly to see if new bipartisan measures emerge to align state policy with the 31 other states that have already established disclosure rules.