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H.R. 4894: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2025, aims to address deceptive practices that undermine the integrity of elections and hinder voters from exercising their rights. Here’s what it would do:

Prohibit Deceptive Communications

The bill would make it illegal for anyone to communicate false information regarding federal elections within 60 days of an election. This includes:

False Statements: Individuals cannot knowingly disseminate material false information intended to dissuade others from voting, including misinformation about voting times, places, and eligibility requirements.
Generative Artificial Intelligence: The use of AI to create misleading information aimed at preventing votes would also be prohibited.

Hindering Voting

The legislation would also make it unlawful for anyone to intentionally obstruct or interfere with another person's ability to vote or register to vote. This includes misrepresenting polling locations or ballot box status.

Civil and Criminal Penalties

Violations of these provisions could result in civil actions, allowing individuals affected by deceptive practices to seek legal remedies. The bill would also introduce criminal penalties for serious violations, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Corrective Measures

If the Attorney General receives credible reports of false information being spread and determines that state and local officials are not taking adequate measures to correct it, the Attorney General would be required to communicate accurate information to the public to counteract the misinformation.

Reporting and Oversight

The bill establishes requirements for the Attorney General to report to Congress on allegations of deceptive practices in federal elections, including details about affected demographics and responses to those allegations.

Rights for Election Officials

Election officials would also have the right to initiate legal actions against those hindering the voter process. This aims to empower professionals responsible for maintaining order at polling places.

Addressing Voter Intimidation

The bill expands definitions related to voter intimidation to include interference with the counting, canvassing, and certification of voting results, making those actions subject to criminal penalties.

Summary of Amendments

The legislation would adjust existing laws to enhance definitions, penalties, and regulatory measures to protect voters from deception and intimidation.