MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota House Passes Bill Targeting AI “Nudification” Technology; Senate Action Pending

ST. PAUL, MN. (April 25, 2026) The Minnesota House has passed legislation aimed at restricting the use of artificial intelligence tools that generate nonconsensual nude images, marking one of the state’s most direct efforts to address the rise of deepfake-based digital abuse.

The bill, House File 1606, is authored by Jess Hanson and passed the chamber on a 132-1 vote, reflecting broad bipartisan support. The measure now moves to the Minnesota Senate for further consideration.

Scope of the Legislation

HF 1606 targets what lawmakers describe as “nudification” technology, defined as software or online tools that use artificial intelligence to alter images or videos to depict individuals in explicit or nude contexts without their consent.

Under the bill:

• It would be unlawful to access, download, or use platforms specifically designed to create nonconsensual sexually explicit images
• The prohibition focuses on automated tools that can generate such content quickly and at scale
• Exemptions are included for tools that require substantial human input, such as professional photo editing or artistic software

Supporters say the intent is to address a gap in current law by targeting the mechanisms used to create harmful content, rather than focusing solely on distribution after the fact.

Civil Enforcement and Penalties

The legislation establishes a civil enforcement pathway for victims. Individuals affected by nonconsensual AI-generated imagery would be able to pursue legal action against those who create, use, or promote such tools.

The bill outlines potential civil penalties that could reach up to $500,000, depending on the nature and scale of the violation.

Legislative Debate

The measure passed with near-unanimous support, but debate on the House floor highlighted differing approaches to regulating emerging technology.

Representative Hanson said the legislation is designed to address the “root” of the issue by limiting access to tools that enable rapid creation of abusive content. Lawmakers supporting the bill cited increasing reports of individuals, including minors, being targeted through AI-generated explicit imagery created without consent.

The lone dissenting vote came from Drew Roach, who raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement. Roach argued that focusing on software platforms may not fully prevent misuse, particularly by individuals with the technical ability to create similar content without dedicated applications.

He also pointed to potential gaps that could limit the law’s effectiveness if not addressed in future revisions.

Context and Public Testimony

The legislation follows testimony from individuals who reported harm caused by AI-generated explicit images derived from otherwise non-explicit photos. Lawmakers said such incidents have raised concerns about privacy, reputational damage, and long-term personal impact.

Advocates have described the issue as a form of digital exploitation that existing laws do not fully address, particularly given the speed and accessibility of AI-based image manipulation tools.

Policy Considerations

As the bill advances, lawmakers are expected to continue evaluating several issues tied to enforcement and scope:

• Defining prohibited technologies with sufficient precision
• Determining liability across users, developers, and platforms
• Ensuring consistency with constitutional protections, including free speech
• Adapting legal frameworks to evolving artificial intelligence capabilities

Similar legislative efforts are underway in multiple states as policymakers respond to rapid advancements in generative AI.

Next Steps

HF 1606 now moves to the Minnesota Senate, where it may be amended before a final vote. If enacted, the legislation would position Minnesota among states taking action to regulate nonconsensual AI-generated imagery.

Lawmakers have indicated that additional measures may be required in future sessions as technology continues to evolve and new forms of digital abuse emerge.

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