HB581
Unauthorized use of name, portrait, etc., of any person; digital replica, civil liability.
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Feb. 3, 2026
House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
Chief Patron:
Jackie Glass (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Unauthorized use of name, portrait, voice, likeness, or picture of any person; digital replica; civil liability; statute of limitations.
Expands the existing ability for any person to maintain a suit in equity, including the accompanying remedies available, for the unauthorized use of his name, portrait, or picture for advertising purposes or for purposes of trade to include the unauthorized use of his voice or likeness. The bill creates civil ... (More) liability for a person who produces, distributes, or makes available the digital replica, defined in the bill, of a person's voice or likeness in an expressive audiovisual work or sound recording without first obtaining prior written consent as specified and with exceptions enumerated in the bill. The bill also extends the current statute of limitations for such civil suits from 20 years to 100 years after the death of such person. The bill contains a reenactment clause. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/13/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103196D
- 01/13/2026 - House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 01/29/2026 - House: Assigned HCJ sub: Civil
- 01/29/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 02/02/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (9-Y 0-N)
- 02/03/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
