New Louisiana artificial intelligence laws take effect Aug. 1

(The Center Square) – Louisiana will begin enforcing a series of new artificial intelligence laws Aug. 1 that expand criminal penalties for AI-generated sexual images, require disclosures on certain political advertisements created with artificial intelligence and establish procedures for using AI-generated evidence in court.

Artificial intelligence was a major focus during the 2026 legislative session, with lawmakers introducing more than 20 bills. They addressed issues such as elections, education, consumer protection, healthcare, government use of AI and criminal law. Several proposals failed or were narrowed before final passage.

The new laws create additional criminal offenses involving AI-generated sexually explicit images, require campaigns to disclose when political advertisements contain materially altered AI-generated images, audio or video, and set standards courts must follow before AI-generated evidence can be introduced at trial.

House Bill 119, by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, expands Louisiana’s c...