SB129 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Artificial intelligence; disclosure of artificial intelligence-generated content required, enforcement provided

Summary

SB129 would require Alabama-based developers of generative AI to disclose when content is AI-generated, with specific formatting and metadata, and it creates enforcement under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act with a private right of action, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

Developers of generative AI systems would have to reveal when content is AI-generated. Disclosures must appear in the same format as the content, be conspicuous and understandable, and include metadata identifying AI-generation, the tool used, and the date/time created. Disclosures must be permanent or not easily removable by downstream users or licensees. Violations would be unlawful trade practices under Alabama law, enforceable by the Attorney General with a 30-day cure period, and injured parties would have a private right of action; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Developers of generative AI systems operating in Alabama — must include AI-generated content disclosures and metadata and implement protections to prevent removal by users or licensees.
• End users and third-party licensees in Alabama — must not remove disclosures and must follow downstream protections (contracts, certifications, and potential termination of access) to ensure disclosures remain in place.

Key Provisions

• Disclosures must clearly identify content as AI-generated and include metadata: tool used and creation date/time; disclosures must be permanent or not easily removable.
• Disclosures must be clear and conspicuous according to the content's medium (visual only vs. visual+audible) and must not be contradicted by the content.
• Developers and downstream parties must implement procedures to prevent removal of disclosures, including contracts requiring end users/licensees not to remove disclosures, certifications that disclosures will not be removed, and termination of access if removal occurs.
• Enforcement and effective date: violations are unlawful trade practices; the Attorney General may issue a 30-day cure notice; injured parties may sue under the private right of action; the act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Consumer Protection