It’s called the Liar’s Dividend, and it’s a growing problem. This term, coined by Bobby Chesney, Dean of the University of Texas Law School, describes how bad actors erode trust online. Their goal isn’t just to influence you about a single candidate or issue, but to make you question everything you see online—even (and sometimes, especially) the truth.
Think of it as the Schrödinger’s Cat of political communication. Today, everything online is both true and false, and without a universally accepted standard for truth, there’s a significant opportunity for bad actors to spread falsehoods without consequence.
Consider this example: In 2024, Google’s Pixel 9 introduced a feature called “reimagine” for photos, allowing users to manipulate images—adding or removing elements at will. While this could be used optimistically to remove unwanted photo-bombers or include someone who was left out, the darker reality looms. As The Verge writer Sarah Jeong bluntly states: “We are fucked.”
Jeong explains:
“Everyone reading this article in 2024 grew up in an era when a photograph was, by default, a representation of truth. A staged scene with movie effects, a digital photo manipulation, or more recently a deepfake - these were potential deception to take into account, but they were outliers in the realm of possibility.”
Sarah Jeong, The Verge
But now with this tool and countless others like it, photographs no longer offer a realistic look at what took place at a particular moment in time. If photographs can’t be trusted, then what do we have left as objective historical reality? They say history is written by the victors; now it can be rewritten by anyone with a smartphone.
Regulating AI in Elections and Lobbying
These are the questions that state legislatures across the country are grappling with as they undertake the daunting task of regulating AI. But that begs the question…why isn’t the federal government doing something about it? Why is it being left to each state to decide?
“The Cavalry Isn’t Coming”
A former Federal Election Commission (FEC) attorney recently warned that the federal government is not prepared to regulate AI in elections. When the fake Biden robocall surfaced during this year’s primaries, the FCC tried to create rules to limit voice manipulation in robocalls. However, the FEC intervened, claiming jurisdiction over election-related issues. While the FEC’s involvement makes sense, it has yet to issue any rules, and none appear forthcoming. The reason? First Amendment concerns.
Many argue that regulations governing AI in elections would not withstand judicial scrutiny due to the expansive protections offered by the First Amendment. The constitution protects anonymous speech, false speech, and parody—all forms of expression implicated in AI-generated content for campaign ads. With a presidential election approaching, it’s also unlikely that Congress will act on AI regulation in time.
State Legislatures Taking Action
In contrast, state legislatures introduced as many as 50 AI-related bills a week in 2024, many focused on synthetic media.
Most states are still in the early stages of addressing AI’s impact. Their standard approach follows a pattern:
- Step 1 is to establish study committees to offer recommendations.
- Step 2 involves defining AI.
- Step 3 typically addresses criminal acts like deepfakes related to child pornography, revenge porn, or other illicit activities.
- Step 4 finally begins to address AI in the context of campaigning or lobbying.
The Step 4 approach involves requiring political campaigns to disclose when they use synthetic media in advertising. In response, some tech companies have started adding digital watermarks to AI-generated political ads, making them easier to identify.
Texas and Minnesota currently have the strictest deepfake laws in the country, but these also have limitations. For example, Texas law states:
Sec. 255.004. TRUE SOURCE OF COMMUNICATION.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election:
(1) creates a deepfake video; and
(2) causes the deepfake video to be published or distributed within 30 days of an election.
(e) In this section, "deep fake video" means a video, created with the intent to deceive, that appears to depict a real person performing an action that did not occur in reality.
Here we see that deep fake is limited to videos (does not include photos, voice or other sound manipulation, or depictions of fictitious events), and it is limited to the final month before election day. While innovative when passed five years ago, advances in AI have since exposed loopholes, enabling campaigns and opponents to easily circumvent these restrictions.
AI’s Role in Campaigns
AI is already transforming campaign operations in several key ways:
- AI Voice-Calling: AI can serve as a virtual campaign volunteer, making calls and engaging in natural-sounding conversations instead of following a rigid script. While this could revolutionize outreach, overuse may backfire if voters are bombarded with too many calls or texts.
- Campaign Strategy: Given basic race information (e.g., whether the race is competitive or under-the-radar, fundraising totals, etc.), AI tools can generate comprehensive strategy memos and update them as conditions change.
- Hyper-personalized Messaging: AI mines voter data, tailoring ads and outreach messages to individuals based on behavior, interests, and location.
These tools could revolutionize how campaigns connect with voters and could level the playing field between fledging campaigns and well-funded incumbents, but it also risks deepening the divide particularly if AI technology becomes too expensive for smaller campaigns to afford.
AI’s Impact on Lobbying
AI is also revolutionizing lobbying, where tools are being used for:
- Targeted Communication: AI assists in pinpointing key decision-makers and delivering tailored messages.
- Policy Monitoring and Prediction: AI tracks legislative changes and predicts the outcomes of pending bills.
- Influence Mapping: Algorithms can identify influential players in policy-making, helping lobbyists better target their efforts.
- Automation: AI automates administrative tasks, allowing lobbyists to focus on relationship-building—a fundamental aspect of lobbying.
However, the use of AI could also lead to laziness in lobbying, resulting in poorly drafted bills, inaccurate bill analyses, or even fabricated data that mislead legislators when pushing legislation.
USLege, Inc. is an example of how companies can use AI responsibly, by automating mundane, repetitive tasks while focusing on ethical and effective tools to help you work.
Conclusion: AI as a Tool, Not a Threat
They say AI won’t replace jobs— instead, those who use AI will replace those who don’t. Nowhere is this truer than in the high-stakes world of politics. But AI isn’t the enemy. With responsible regulation and ethical practices, AI can help refocus political communication on its core purpose—relationship-building and meaningful dialogue, which should always form the foundation of our democratic process.
Meet The Author
Andrew Cates is the Owner of Cates Legal Group PLLC, specializing in legal counsel for candidates, political action committees, and nonprofits in election and campaign law. He authored Texas Ethics Laws Annotated, the only comprehensive legal annotation of Texas campaign finance and lobby laws, now in its 8th edition. One of fewer than twenty U.S. attorneys with a certification in Legislative & Campaign Law, Andrew contributes frequently to news publications and serves as a founding faculty member at the Healing Politics Campaign School at Duke University. He also leads the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas. Previously, Andrew was General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for the Texas Nurses Association, securing over $25 million in state funding to address the nurse shortage. He also served as legislative attorney for the Texas Association of REALTORS® and lead attorney for its PAC. Before his current role, Andrew worked at the Texas Capitol, lobbied for solar energy and healthcare, and practiced in areas such as mergers & acquisitions, healthcare, and criminal law. Andrew is a Founding Member and Board Member of the State Bar of Texas Legislative & Campaign Law Section and was instrumental in establishing the nation's first legal specialization in this field. He holds a B.A. in International Politics from Trinity University and a J.D. from Texas Tech School of Law (2007). Andrew is the General Counsel for USLege.
You can connect with Andrew through his website and LinkedIn.
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How to Choose the Best Federal Legislative Tracking Software for Your Organization
Every year, thousands of bills move through Congress, and without the right tracking system, teams miss critical information that affects compliance, strategy, and advocacy.
Manual tracking creates gaps.
Teams rely on scattered data, delayed alerts, and inconsistent updates, which makes it harder to stay ahead of policy developments.
Modern legislative tracking tools solve this by centralizing legislative and regulatory data, automating bill tracking, and delivering real-time alerts.
They allow organizations to monitor federal legislation, understand the legislative process, and act quickly when changes occur.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to evaluate legislative monitoring platforms, what features matter most, and how policy management solutions help government affairs teams work smarter.
You will also see how to compare tools, avoid mistakes, and choose a system that fits your organization.
After reviewing your current workflow, you can explore a centralized system like federal legislative tracking software
to improve how your team tracks legislation and responds to policy changes.
What Is Federal Legislative Tracking Software?
Federal legislative tracking software is a system that helps organizations track bills, monitor committee hearings, and follow the full legislative process in one place.
It replaces manual spreadsheets with automated tracking, giving users access to accurate and updated data.
Core Functionality Explained
A strong legislative tracking tool provides:
- Bill tracking across Congress and committees.
- Real-time alerts when bills move or change.
- Search tools to filter legislation by keywords or policy areas.
- Centralized legislative and regulatory data.
Instead of checking multiple sources, users can track bills with just a few clicks.
These systems also:
- Automate legislative tracking across every legislative session.
- Provide bill summaries to quickly understand relevance.
- Deliver alerts when committee hearings or votes are scheduled.
- Help users stay informed about pending legislation and regulatory changes.
Congress introduces thousands of bills each year.
Without automation, tracking becomes inefficient and error-prone.
Why Organizations Need Legislative Monitoring Platforms
Organizations face constant pressure to monitor federal legislation and regulatory developments.
Missing a policy update can impact compliance, operations, and long-term planning.
Key Use Cases Across Industries
Legislative monitoring platforms support different teams across an organization:
- Government affairs teams track policy developments and engage with legislators.
- Public affairs professionals monitor regulatory tracking and advocacy efforts.
- Legal teams follow regulations and compliance requirements.
- Corporations track bills that impact stakeholders and clients.
These tools help organizations:
- Stay ahead of policy changes and regulatory developments.
- Improve response time with real-time alerts.
- Support advocacy and government relations strategies.
- Provide actionable insights for informed decisions.
For example, a public policy manager can monitor policy areas and receive alerts when bills move through committee assignments.
This allows the team to act quickly and ensure their voice is heard during advocacy efforts.
Essential Features to Look For in Policy Management Solutions
Choosing the right legislative tracking tool depends on features that align with your organization and workflow tools.
Real-Time Alerts and Notifications
Real-time alerts are critical for staying informed.
Look for:
- Alerts for bill movements, amendments, and executive orders.
- Email alerts and dashboard notifications.
- Alerts tailored to specific policy areas.
These alerts ensure your team never misses the latest developments.
Advanced Search and Filtering
Search functionality determines how quickly you find relevant results.
Key features include:
- Keyword-based search across legislative and regulatory data.
- Filters by committee, sponsor, and legislative session.
- Ability to track bills across multiple policy areas.
Strong search tools help teams quickly understand what matters.
Data Visualization and Reporting
Advanced reporting turns raw data into useful analysis.
Look for:
- Legislative dashboards that show trends.
- Custom reports for stakeholders and clients.
- Advanced reporting features for deeper analysis.
These features help organizations make informed decisions based on real data.
AI and Predictive Analytics
AI-powered tools are changing how legislative tracking works.
Capabilities include:
- AI-powered insights that summarize bills.
- Predictive analysis of policy changes.
- Detection of trends across legislation.
These tools help policy professionals quickly understand large volumes of data.
Integration Capabilities
Integration improves team collaboration and workflow.
Look for systems that:
- Connect with CRM and internal workflow tools.
- Allow teams to assign tasks and share notes.
- Support team collaboration across departments.
Integration ensures support teams can work together efficiently.
How to Evaluate Federal Legislative Tracking Software
Selecting the right legislative tracking tool requires a clear evaluation process.
Define Your Organization’s Needs
Start by understanding your organization:
- Size of your team.
- Type of legislative and regulatory tracking required.
- Level of engagement in government affairs.
This helps narrow down options.
Compare Features vs Cost
Pricing varies depending on coverage and features.
- Basic tools may cost around $1,000.
- Advanced systems can exceed $5,000.
Focus on ROI rather than price alone.
Assess Data Accuracy and Coverage
Accurate data is essential.
Check:
- Coverage of federal legislation and regulatory data.
- Frequency of updates from Congress.
- Quality of bill summaries and analysis.
to understand how legislative information is structured.
User Experience and Support
User experience affects adoption.
Evaluate:
- Ease of use.
- Onboarding and support.
- Ability for teams to collaborate.
A system should help your team work smarter, not harder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Legislative Tracking Systems
Many organizations choose tools without fully evaluating their needs.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Low-cost tools may lack comprehensive coverage and advanced reporting.
Ignoring Integration Needs
Without integration, workflow tools become disconnected.
Overlooking User Adoption
Complex systems reduce productivity and team collaboration.
Not Testing the Platform
Always request demos or trials.
Testing ensures the tool fits your organization and supports your team.
Key Benefits of Using Federal Legislative Tracking Software
Organizations that adopt legislative tracking tools gain a clear advantage.
Improved Decision-Making
Access to real-time data leads to better analysis and informed decisions.
Time Efficiency
Automation helps teams save time by reducing manual research.
Enhanced Compliance
Tracking regulations and policy changes reduces compliance risks.
Strategic Advantage
Organizations can stay ahead of policy developments and act early.
Benefits include:
- Faster response to legislation.
- Better communication with stakeholders.
- Stronger advocacy and government relations strategies.
Future Trends in Legislative Monitoring Platforms
Legislative tracking continues to evolve with new technology.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
AI-powered systems provide predictive insights and deeper analysis.
Increased Automation
Automation reduces manual tracking and improves efficiency.
Data-Driven Policy Insights
Advanced analytics provide actionable insights into policy changes.
Organizations are shifting toward intelligent platforms that combine data, AI-powered tools, and automation.
How to Implement Legislative Tracking Software Successfully
Implementation determines long-term success.
Onboarding and Training
Train your team to use the system effectively.
Define Monitoring Criteria
Set alerts, keywords, and policy areas to track bills.
Integrate with Existing Systems
Ensure smooth workflow integration and team collaboration.
Proper setup helps organizations maximize value and stay informed.
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas hemp businesses have filed suit to block new state regulations they say effectively ban smokeable hemp products and impose licensing fee increases so steep they could force many businesses to close. Yesterday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the explosive growth of data centers in the state, with interconnection requests on the power grid now exceeding 400,000 megawatts and raising questions about cost, reliability, and water usage. Lastly, nineteen Texas summer camps are challenging a new state mandate requiring them to install fiber optic internet infrastructure, citing costs as high as $1.2 million and arguing the requirement is unworkable for rural properties and does nothing to improve camper safety.
Before you dive in…
USLege will be hosting our first ever Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony on April 23rd at Speakeasy in Downtown Austin.
Winners and guests will be treated to evening of celebration for the accomplishments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
You can expect music, networking, food & drinks and formal award acceptance.
This is going to be a fun party! We hope to see you there.
»» RSVP HERE: Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony hosted by USLege
»» Watch Representative Ken King’s Intro Here ««
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
A federal trial is underway in Texas over whether the state's prison system has done enough to protect inmates from extreme heat, with a price tag of $1.5 billion standing at the center of the debate. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has tasked a new legislative committee with studying whether Texas could absorb one or more counties from New Mexico, a long-shot proposal that has already drawn a sharp response from the neighboring state's governor. A public feud between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock has spilled into federal court, where a judge is overseeing the fallout in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination in the state's $1 billion ESA Program.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas hemp businesses have filed suit to block new state regulations they say effectively ban smokeable hemp products and impose licensing fee increases so steep they could force many businesses to close. Yesterday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the explosive growth of data centers in the state, with interconnection requests on the power grid now exceeding 400,000 megawatts and raising questions about cost, reliability, and water usage. Lastly, nineteen Texas summer camps are challenging a new state mandate requiring them to install fiber optic internet infrastructure, citing costs as high as $1.2 million and arguing the requirement is unworkable for rural properties and does nothing to improve camper safety.
Before you dive in…
USLege will be hosting our first ever Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony on April 23rd at Speakeasy in Downtown Austin.
Winners and guests will be treated to evening of celebration for the accomplishments in the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
You can expect music, networking, food & drinks and formal award acceptance.
This is going to be a fun party! We hope to see you there.
»» RSVP HERE: Best in Government Affairs Awards Ceremony hosted by USLege
»» Watch Representative Ken King’s Intro Here ««
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
A federal trial is underway in Texas over whether the state's prison system has done enough to protect inmates from extreme heat, with a price tag of $1.5 billion standing at the center of the debate. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has tasked a new legislative committee with studying whether Texas could absorb one or more counties from New Mexico, a long-shot proposal that has already drawn a sharp response from the neighboring state's governor. A public feud between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock has spilled into federal court, where a judge is overseeing the fallout in a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination in the state's $1 billion ESA Program.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
New Texas rules on hemp-derived THC products take effect March 31, reshaping what can be sold, who can sell it and how the industry operates, with major implications for businesses, consumers and enforcement across the state. Lt. Gov Dan Patrick has unveiled the Texas Senate committee lineup. At the same time, state education leaders are moving to revise curriculum guidance tied to Cesar Chavez amid emerging allegations, prompting immediate changes in classrooms and raising broader questions about how schools respond when historical narratives shift.
»»» View official press release from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Here «««
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!
