HB 102 (2026), Enrolled Act 32, Session Laws 2026 ch. 91: AI in the criminal code, synthetic sexual material and developer liability

Summary

Wyoming's act, catch-titled 'Protecting kids from deepfakes and exploitative images', amends the criminal code for AI. Using an AI system to commit a crime is not a defense, and the criminal code applies to activity an AI system facilitates. It creates the felony of unlawful distribution of nonconsensual synthetic sexual material (material created or altered with AI or other digital methods to realistically depict a specific person's intimate parts), covering distribution without consent that causes or is intended to cause harm, promotion online, and threats to distribute for a benefit. It creates felonies for knowingly developing or distributing an AI system specifically designed for child sexual abuse material or to promote self-harm, with exceptions including systems that produce such content solely from user prompts without that intent. It extends sexual exploitation of children to using AI to generate such material and to knowingly possessing AI-generated material. A developer is not liable for damages when another person uses its AI system to commit illegal acts or cause harm, unless the system was developed with the knowledge or intent that its primary purpose would be illegal. The act defines an artificial intelligence system. Its long title also refers to censoring political speech, but the enacted text contains no such offense.

Key dates

1. March 7, 2026Enacted
2. July 1, 2026Takes effect
3. October 20, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 20, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Governor Signed HEA No. 0032

   Supports: Governor signed House Enrolled Act 32

   "lastAction": "Assigned Chapter Number 91", "lastActionDate": "2026-03-07T00:00:00"

   Supports: Chapter number and date

   HB0102 bill information (2026) Wyoming Legislature Primary source

2. (b) The use of an artificial intelligence system by a person to commit a criminal offense shall not be a defense to a criminal charge.

   Supports: No AI defense

   A person commits the offense of unlawful distribution of nonconsensual synthetic sexual material if:

   Supports: Synthetic sexual material offense

   shall not be liable for damages arising from the use of an artificial intelligence system when another person used the system with the intent to commit or engage in illegal or illicit activities or to cause harm.

   Supports: Developer liability limit

   Section 3. This act is effective July 1, 2026.

   Supports: Effective date

   HB 102, Enrolled Act No. 32 (2026 Budget Session) Wyoming Legislature Primary source

3. Catch Title: Protecting kids from deepfakes and exploitative images.

   Supports: Catch title

   HB0102 bill summary Wyoming Legislative Service Office Primary source