Texas House Speaker *Not* Trying to Ban Memes, Disappoints Internet
We had it all planned out. The internet told us a white male Texas authority figure was trying to ban internet memes. This was great satire fodder because, of course, it makes him a prime target for memes.
Sadly for us, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s HB 366 is specifically aimed at the distribution of altered political media and would criminalize deepfakes like, for instance a Republican: intimately embracing Nancy Pelosi, delivering remarks at the House Democratic Caucus, and riding a literal rhino to play up a perception as a “Republican In Name Only.” All of which were actual fake media created to undermine Phelan in a recent campaign.
In short, Phelan isn’t banning memes, but in fact trying to curb false imagery with the intent to discredit or otherwise harm a political figure. You can imagine our disappointment when we learned the truth!
We bought into the internet hype. We made funny Phelan memes like everyone else, and we were wrong. Now that we know more about Phelan, we admire his integrity in standing against deepfakes despite the inevitable backlash. And it is because of this newfound admiration that we will absolutely NOT show you the hilarious meme we created of the Cinemark Tinseltown 15 in Beaumont projecting Minions 2: The Rise of Gru onto Phelan’s massive forehead. Sorry to deprive you of this clickable chuckle.
This is a work of satire. Characters and situations may be created for comic effect. Image generated by imgflip.com.
JUST THE FACTS
- The Texas House passed HB 366 in a 102–40 vote, advancing legislation that criminalizes the distribution of altered political media, including memes, AI-generated content, and Photoshopped images, without a disclosure. Violations are punishable by up to a year in jail.
- HB 366 applies to officeholders, candidates, or political committees that spend over $100 on political ads, as well as anyone compensated to distribute such content. It excludes superficial image edits and exempts platforms like ISPs, broadcasters, and sign owners from liability.
- Critics argue the bill's scope is dangerously vague, potentially sweeping in grassroots activists who boost posts or use paid design tools. While state Rep. Dade Phelan, who introduced the bill, insists it will deter misinformation, opponents warn it would chill satire and free expression.
- Phelan, who tabled the bill after enduring deceptive ads during a Trump-backed primary challenge, cited AI's growing sophistication and affordability as threats to electoral integrity. He said voters were so misled they doubted even real endorsements.
- Although Democrats largely back HB 366, opposition from hardline Republicans remains fierce. Rep. Shelley Luther criticized the bill’s potential to jail people over cartoons, while Rep. Andy Hopper called it “nanny state” overreach. A related Senate deepfake bill awaits House action.
Sources: The Dallas Express, The Christian Post, Texas Scorecard, Newsweek, and The Texas Tribune.