Georgia
Georgia AI Laws and Regulation (2026)
Georgia regulates AI through targeted laws rather than a single comprehensive statute. SB 9 (2025) criminalizes AI-generated deepfakes in political ads within 90 days of an election, and O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90 covers AI-generated intimate images. The Georgia Technology Authority requires prior authorization for all state agency generative AI deployments.
Overview of Georgia AI Laws
Georgia has taken a targeted, incremental approach to artificial intelligence regulation rather than pursuing a single comprehensive AI statute. The state has enacted laws addressing AI-generated deepfakes in both political and sexual contexts, established a formal AI governance structure within the Georgia Technology Authority, and advanced several significant AI bills during its 2025-2026 legislative session.
The state's regulatory framework reflects a combination of executive action and legislative effort. The Georgia Technology Authority created an Office of Artificial Intelligence in 2023, establishing an AI Advisory Council and issuing governance guidelines for state agencies before the legislature acted on broader AI regulation.
Georgia's 2025-2026 legislative session has been particularly active on AI issues, with bills addressing election deepfakes, healthcare AI, government AI transparency, and a proposed comprehensive AI governance board. While not all of these proposals have advanced, they signal the direction of Georgia's AI regulatory trajectory.
This article covers all enacted and pending Georgia AI legislation, executive actions, and the interaction between state and federal AI policy. This information is current as of March 2026, but you should consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
AI in Political Advertising: SB 9
Georgia's most prominent AI legislation is Senate Bill 9, which passed the Georgia House with a strong bipartisan vote of 152-12 during the 2025 legislative session. The bill was originally authored by Roswell Republican Senator John Albers and addresses the use of AI-generated content in election campaigns.
What the Law Requires
SB 9 criminalizes the use of AI-generated images, audio, or video in political campaign advertisements that are disseminated within 90 days of a primary or general election without proper disclaimers. The law requires that any AI-generated political content carry a clear disclaimer indicating the material is not authentic.
The prohibition applies specifically to content that is disseminated with the knowledge that it is false. This intent requirement means that candidates or campaigns must knowingly publish deceptive AI content to violate the law.
Exemptions
The law does not apply to constitutionally protected speech, including satire and parody. This exemption ensures that political commentary using AI remains permissible as long as it is not presented as authentic campaign material intended to deceive voters.
Criminal Penalties
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Varies |
| Second or subsequent offense | Felony | 2 to 5 years | Up to $50,000 |
The escalation from misdemeanor to felony for repeat offenders sends a strong deterrence signal. The $50,000 fine for felony violations is among the highest state-level penalties for AI-related election offenses in the country.
Real-World Context
The urgency behind SB 9 was underscored by real-world events. During the 2025 Georgia Senate campaign, Representative Mike Collins' campaign used an AI-generated deepfake of Senator Jon Ossoff in campaign materials, highlighting the practical need for disclosure requirements.
Deepfake and Revenge Porn Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90
Georgia was among the earlier states to address AI-generated sexually explicit content through its existing revenge porn statute. The law, codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90, was originally enacted in 2014 and has been amended multiple times, most recently in 2022, to explicitly cover deepfake content.
What the Law Prohibits
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90, it is illegal to knowingly distribute intimate images of another person without their consent, including distributing a "falsely created videographic or still image." This language explicitly encompasses AI-generated deepfakes.
The law applies to any distribution made with the intent to harass the depicted person or cause them financial loss. Both direct sharing (texting, emailing) and public posting (websites, social media, file-sharing sites) are covered.
Criminal Penalties
| Method of Distribution | Classification | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texting or emailing | Misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature | Up to 1 year | Varies |
| Posting to websites or social media | Felony | 1 to 5 years | Up to $100,000 |
| Repeat offenses (2+) | Felony | 1 to 5 years | Up to $100,000 |
The distinction between private sharing and public posting reflects Georgia's recognition that online publication causes significantly greater harm to victims. Posting deepfake intimate content to websites, file-sharing sites, or online message boards carries felony penalties even on a first offense.
Protection for Minors: HB 993
Georgia strengthened its protections for minors with House Bill 993, which establishes specific penalties for AI-generated or manipulated depictions of minors in explicit or harmful situations. This law works alongside Senate Bill 351, which incorporates synthetic-media risks into public education and digital safety frameworks.
Together, these measures update Georgia's child safety statutes to address the capabilities of modern generative AI technology.
Georgia Office of Artificial Intelligence
Georgia established one of the most structured state-level AI governance frameworks in the country through the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA). In 2023, GTA created a dedicated Office of Artificial Intelligence and an AI Advisory Council.
AI Advisory Council
The AI Advisory Council comprises leaders from Georgia state agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector. The council provides guidance and supervision on AI applications across state government.
Enterprise AI Policy
GTA adopted an AI Responsible Use Policy (PS-23-001) and AI Responsible Use Standard (SS-23-002), establishing principles and responsibilities for state entities and employees using AI. These policies require prior authorization from GTA before any executive branch agency can deploy generative AI tools for regular organizational use.
Authorization Requirements
State agencies must obtain GTA approval before implementing any generative AI tools intended for regular use, including AI-driven transcription, summarization, note-taking, or decision-making assistance. This prior-authorization requirement ensures centralized oversight of government AI adoption.
Pending AI Legislation: 2025-2026 Session
HB 147: AI Inventory and Reporting
House Bill 147, sponsored by Representative Brad Thomas, passed the Georgia House unanimously on February 20, 2025, with a vote of 172-0. The bill would require state agencies to report all AI usage to the Georgia Technology Authority.
Key requirements include:
- Annual inventory of all AI systems used by state departments and agencies, with the first inventory due by December 31, 2025
- Each report must disclose the name of the AI tool, its capabilities, and whether the system operates without human oversight
- GTA must develop model policies for AI system development, procurement, implementation, and assessment by December 31, 2026
- Local governments would face similar reporting requirements by the end of 2027
- GTA must compile agency reports into an annual report to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislature
The bill was recommitted to the Senate in January 2026 and remains pending.
SB 37: AI Accountability Act
Senate Bill 37, the "AI Accountability Act," proposes a comprehensive AI governance framework for Georgia. The bill would create a 12-member Georgia Board for Artificial Intelligence with appointees from the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker.
Under SB 37, every state agency and municipality would be required to develop and publish an AI usage plan by December 31, 2026. These plans must address goals, bias prevention, data privacy, governance roles, legal compliance, human oversight, employee training, incident response, and reporting protocols.
The bill did not make it out of committee before Crossover Day in the 2025 session but remains eligible for consideration in the 2026 session.
SB 455: Georgia AI Commission
Senate Bill 455, introduced on February 3, 2026, would establish the Georgia Artificial Intelligence Commission. The bill defines "artificial intelligence system" as a machine-based system that can process information to emulate human cognitive functions like learning and reasoning.
SB 444: Healthcare AI Regulation
Senate Bill 444 passed the Georgia Senate unanimously in the 2026 session, establishing a clear standard that no health insurer can deny coverage based on AI alone. The bill requires a qualified human to review every claim before a denial is issued.
SB 444 was scheduled for a hearing before the House Technology Committee in March 2026. If enacted, it would join a growing number of state laws requiring human oversight of AI-driven healthcare decisions.
Healthcare AI Regulation
Georgia has been particularly active in proposing AI restrictions for healthcare, introducing multiple bills targeting AI in medical and insurance decision-making.
HB 887: AI in Clinical Decision-Making
House Bill 887, introduced by Representative Mandisha Ann-Marie Thomas, would prohibit clinicians from making healthcare decisions solely based on results produced by AI or automated decision tools.
Key provisions of HB 887 include:
- Healthcare decisions resulting from AI use must be "meaningfully reviewed" under procedures established by the Georgia Composite Medical Board
- The Board would adopt rules and regulations governing AI standards in clinical practice
- Clinicians who fail to comply would face disciplinary action
- The bill would also restrict AI use in insurance coverage determinations and public assistance decisions
HB 887 defines "artificial intelligence" as a machine-based system that can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing a real or virtual environment for human-defined objectives.
AI and Employment in Georgia
Georgia has not enacted specific legislation governing AI in employment decisions such as automated hiring, algorithmic scheduling, or AI-driven performance evaluation. However, the state has proposed legislation to place parameters on AI-driven compensation decisions.
Georgia employers using AI in hiring or workforce management must comply with federal anti-discrimination protections, including Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA. The EEOC has emphasized that these laws apply fully to automated employment systems, regardless of whether the state has enacted AI-specific employment legislation.
As the national regulatory landscape evolves, Georgia employers should monitor developments in states like Colorado, California, and Illinois, where AI employment regulations have already taken effect and may signal future Georgia legislative action.
Federal AI Policy and Georgia
Executive Order 14365
President Trump's Executive Order 14365 (December 11, 2025) creates tension with Georgia's AI legislative efforts by attempting to establish federal preemption of state AI laws. The order directs the DOJ to challenge state AI regulations and potentially condition federal funding on states avoiding certain AI regulations.
Impact on Georgia's Pending Bills
Several of Georgia's pending AI bills may fall within the executive order's carve-outs for protected state authority. HB 147 and SB 37, which address state government AI procurement and use, align with the carve-out for state government AI oversight. SB 444 and HB 887, which address healthcare AI, may also find protection under the order's exemptions for traditional areas of state regulatory authority.
However, because federal preemption typically requires congressional legislation rather than executive orders, EO 14365 alone likely cannot displace Georgia's existing or proposed AI laws. The practical impact may be more of a chilling effect on ambitious new state AI regulation than actual legal preemption.
Looking Ahead: Georgia's AI Regulatory Future
Georgia's AI regulatory landscape is at an inflection point. The state has established foundational governance through the GTA's Office of Artificial Intelligence and has enacted targeted laws on election deepfakes and sexually explicit deepfakes.
The volume of AI bills introduced in the 2025-2026 session, covering healthcare, government transparency, comprehensive governance, and child safety, suggests that Georgia lawmakers are preparing for more expansive regulation. The unanimous Senate passage of SB 444 and the House passage of HB 147 by 172-0 demonstrate strong bipartisan support for AI accountability measures.
Georgia's proximity to Atlanta's growing technology sector, which includes significant AI research at Georgia Tech and a thriving startup ecosystem, creates both opportunity and pressure to balance innovation with consumer protection. The Constellations Center for Education in Computing at Georgia Tech has been actively involved in analyzing Georgia's readiness for AI legislation.
More Georgia Laws
Explore other Georgia law topics on Recording Law:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have a comprehensive AI law?
No. As of March 2026, Georgia does not have a single comprehensive AI statute. The state has enacted targeted laws addressing AI-generated deepfakes in political advertising (SB 9) and sexually explicit deepfakes (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-90). The Georgia Technology Authority has established AI governance guidelines for state agencies, and several comprehensive AI bills (SB 37, HB 147, SB 455) are pending in the 2025-2026 legislative session.
What are the penalties for AI deepfakes in Georgia elections?
Under SB 9, using AI-generated deepfakes in political campaign ads within 90 days of an election without disclaimers is a misdemeanor for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense is a felony carrying 2 to 5 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines. The law includes exemptions for satire and parody.
Can health insurers in Georgia use AI to deny claims?
Currently, there is no enacted prohibition, but SB 444 passed the Georgia Senate unanimously in 2026 and would require human clinical review before insurers can deny coverage. If enacted, AI systems alone could not deny health insurance claims. Separately, HB 887 would prohibit clinicians from making healthcare decisions based solely on AI results, requiring meaningful human review.
How does the federal AI executive order affect Georgia's AI laws?
Executive Order 14365 (December 2025) attempts to limit state AI regulation through DOJ enforcement actions and potential federal funding conditions. However, several of Georgia's pending bills fall within the order's carve-outs for state government AI oversight and healthcare regulation. Because federal preemption typically requires congressional legislation, the executive order alone likely cannot override Georgia's existing or proposed AI laws.
Does Georgia regulate AI in hiring and employment?
Georgia has not enacted specific laws governing AI in employment decisions. The state proposed legislation to restrict AI-driven compensation decisions, but it did not advance. Employers using AI tools in hiring or workforce management must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws including Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA, which the EEOC has confirmed apply to automated employment systems.
Sources and References
- Georgia House passes SB 9 to regulate AI in election ads(thecurrentga.org)
- Georgia SB 9 criminalizes AI political ads without disclaimers(georgiarecorder.com)
- Georgia Office of Artificial Intelligence(ai.georgia.gov).gov
- Georgia Technology Authority AI programs(gta.georgia.gov).gov
- Georgia AI Advisory Council(ai.georgia.gov).gov
- Georgia AI Responsible Use Standard SS-23-002(gta-psg.georgia.gov).gov
- Georgia GTA guidance for state organizations on AI(ai.georgia.gov).gov
- Georgia HB 147 passes House requiring AI monitoring(wuga.org)
- Georgia HB 147 bill tracking(legiscan.com)
- Georgia SB 37 AI Accountability Act(trackbill.com)
- Georgia SB 444 healthcare AI insurance regulation(distilinfo.com)
- Georgia joins states limiting AI in health decisions(govtech.com)
- Georgia HB 887 AI healthcare restrictions(manatt.com)
- Georgia HB 887 proposed AI healthcare bill(bassberry.com)
- Georgia deepfake revenge porn law(revengepornvictims.com)
- Georgia HB 993 protects minors from deepfake exploitation(reviewofailaw.com)
- Executive Order 14365 on AI state preemption(whitehouse.gov).gov
- Limitations of federal push to override state AI regulation(ropesgray.com)
- Georgia AI deepfake policy overview(ballotpedia.org)