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 Right Legislative Tracking Software for Your Organization
Across industries, teams must track bills, monitor legislation, and analyze regulatory changes that can impact operations.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of bills are introduced across jurisdictions, creating a large volume of data that must be monitored closely.
Manual legislative tracking often leads to missed alerts, outdated reports, and limited access to relevant legislation. This creates risk for organizations that rely on timely information to make informed decisions.
Modern tracking software solves this problem by providing real-time alerts, structured reports, and ai powered insights that help teams stay ahead of changes.
These tools support government affairs, advocacy efforts, and compliance teams in managing priorities.
This guide explains how legislative tracking works, what essential features to look for, and how to choose the right platform for your organization.
What Is Legislative Tracking Software?
Legislative tracking software is a system that helps organizations track bills, monitor legislation, and analyze regulatory updates across multiple jurisdictions.
It gathers data from government sources, including Congress, committee assignments, and hearings, and delivers real-time alerts to users through advanced legislative tracking software.
Core Functionality of Legislative Tracking
Legislative tracking tools collect and organize data from legislative databases to provide relevant results.
They help users:
- Track bills introduced at the federal and state levels
- Monitor committee hearings and legislative processes
- Receive email alerts and notifications
- Access reports and analysis
Bill tracking becomes easier when data is centralized in one platform.
Understanding the Legislative Process
The legislative process includes multiple steps, such as bills introduced, committee assignments, hearings, and final decisions.
Tracking tools simplify understanding by organizing data and highlighting key changes.
Policy professionals rely on these tools to monitor legislation and support advocacy efforts.
Why Organizations Need Legislative Tracking Software
Organizations operate in complex regulatory environments where laws change frequently.
Challenges Without Tracking Tools
Without automated tracking tools, teams face:
- Difficulty tracking bills across jurisdictions
- Missed alerts about legislation
- Limited access to accurate data
- Inefficient search processes
Manual tracking reduces efficiency and increases risk.
Benefits of Legislative Tracking Software
Using tracking software provides several benefits:
- Real-time alerts for new legislation
- Centralized data and reports
- Improved understanding of regulatory changes
- Faster decision-making
These tools help organizations stay ahead in a fast-moving legislative environment.
Risk Management and Compliance
Compliance requires continuous monitoring of regulations.
Tracking tools help organizations:
- Monitor regulatory changes
- Maintain updated processes
- Reduce compliance risks
Automated tracking improves accuracy and efficiency.
Key Features to Look for in Legislative Tracking Software
Selecting the right tracking software requires understanding its essential features.
Real Time Alerts and Notifications
Real-time alerts keep teams informed.
Look for tools that provide:
- Email alerts for new bills
- Notifications for committee hearings
- Alerts for executive orders
Alerts ensure users receive updates as they happen.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Jurisdictions
A strong system should offer comprehensive coverage.
This includes:
- Federal legislation
- State and local bills
- Regulatory updates
Coverage across jurisdictions ensures no important information is missed.
Advanced Search and Filtering
Search functionality is essential for finding relevant data.
Key features include:
- Keyword search
- Filters by date and jurisdiction
- Advanced search options
Efficient search tools help users find relevant results quickly.
Analytics and Reporting
Reports and analyses provide insights into legislative activity.
Look for:
- Data analysis tools
- Reports for leadership
- Insights for decision-making
Reports support informed decisions.
AI-Powered Insights and Analysis
AI-powered technology improves tracking.
Features include:
- AI-powered insights for trends
- AI-powered analysis of data
- Automated summaries
AI-powered tools help users focus on relevant data.
Integration and Collaboration
Integration supports team collaboration.
Look for tools that:
- Allow multiple users
- Support team collaboration
- Enable users to share updates
Collaboration improves workflow and communication.
Types of Legislative Tracking Solutions
Organizations can choose from different types of tracking tools.
Basic Monitoring Tools
Basic tools offer simple features.
They provide:
- Email alerts
- Limited reports
- Basic search
These tools are suitable for smaller teams.
Advanced Policy Intelligence Platforms
Advanced platforms offer deeper insights.
They include:
- AI-powered insights
- Advanced analysis
- Enhanced search tools
These tools support more complex needs.
Enterprise Tracking Software
Enterprise solutions provide full functionality.
They include:
- Multi-user access
- Advanced reports
- Full integration
These platforms support large organizations and government relations teams.
How to Evaluate Legislative Tracking Software
Choosing the right platform requires careful evaluation.
Define Organizational Needs
Start by identifying your organization’s needs.
Consider:
- Industry requirements
- Jurisdictions to monitor
- Team size
This helps narrow down options.
Assess Data Accuracy
Accurate data is critical.
Evaluate:
- Data sources
- Update frequency
- Accuracy of reports
Reliable data improves understanding.
Customization Options
Customization allows teams to focus on priorities.
Look for:
- Custom alerts
- Ability to assign tasks
- Flexible dashboards
Customization improves efficiency.
Security and Access
Security is important.
Check for:
- Access controls
- Data protection
- Secure platforms
This ensures safe data management.
Support and Training
Support helps teams use tools effectively.
Consider:
- Training resources
- Customer support
- Onboarding assistance
Strong support improves adoption.
Cost Considerations and ROI
Cost plays a key role in decision-making.
Pricing Models
Common pricing models include:
- Subscription plans
- Tiered pricing
- Enterprise packages
Hidden Costs
Consider additional costs such as:
- Implementation fees
- Training expenses
- Integration costs
Measuring ROI
ROI comes from efficiency and risk reduction.
Key metrics include:
- Time saved on tracking bills
- Reduced compliance risks
- Improved productivity
Tracking software helps organizations save time and improve performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes:
- Choosing based only on price
- Ignoring scalability
- Overlooking integration
- Not involving stakeholders
- Skipping usability testing
Careful evaluation helps avoid issues.
Future Trends in Legislative Tracking Technology
Technology continues to evolve.
AI-Powered Technology
AI-powered tools provide better insights.
They can:
- Predict trends
- Analyze data
- Deliver relevant results
Automation and Workflow Integration
Automation improves processes.
Future tools will:
- Automate alerts
- Assign tasks
- Improve collaboration
Global Regulatory Tracking
Organizations need global coverage.
Future tools will offer:
- Cross-border tracking
- Unified dashboards
- Enhanced reporting
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Early voting in Texas has surged past recent midterm and presidential benchmarks, with Democratic ballots currently outpacing Republican participation and fueling new debate over enthusiasm, turnout dynamics and what the numbers could signal for November. At the same time, the State Board of Education has approved more than 4,000 revisions to the state-developed Bluebonnet curriculum, reigniting scrutiny over oversight, taxpayer costs and how religion and American history are presented in public schools. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott praised President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address and highlighted Texas’ alignment on border security, school choice and economic policy, underscoring the continued political partnership as Trump prepares to visit the state ahead of the primaries.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
How AI Is Reshaping Legislative Tracking Software and Policy Analysis
Missing even one update can impact compliance, strategy, and government relations.
Many teams still rely on manual research or scattered tools, which slows down analysis and increases the risk of errors.
Without reliable alerts and centralized data, it becomes difficult to stay informed and respond to fast-moving policy changes.
Artificial intelligence is changing how the legislative process is managed.
Modern systems now deliver real-time alerts, automate tracking, and provide ai powered insights that help teams stay ahead.
These solutions allow organizations to work smarter and improve their understanding of complex legislation.
In this guide, you will learn how AI improves legislative tracking, strengthens analysis, and supports better decisions.
What Is Legislative Tracking Software?
Understanding Legislative Tracking
Legislative tracking refers to the process of monitoring bills, regulations, and policy developments across multiple jurisdictions.
It helps organizations stay informed and respond to changes that matter.
Many organizations rely on advanced solutions like legislative tracking software to simplify tracking and maintain control of policy updates.
At its core, tracking systems collect data, improve organization, and deliver relevant results through dashboards and report outputs.
These tools support compliance, advocacy, and strategic planning.
Core Functions of Legislative Tracking Tools
Modern tools provide key capabilities that support efficient tracking.
- Bill tracking to monitor bills and updates.
- Monitoring committee hearings, hearings, and committee assignments.
- Tracking vote results and legislative date updates.
- Following executive orders and regulations.
- Creating advanced reporting for analysis and reporting needs.
These tools help users track bills, improve search, and maintain the organization of legislative data.
Importance of Bill Tracking
Thousands of bills are introduced each year across jurisdictions and at the federal level.
Without proper bill tracking, organizations can miss critical developments.
- Bill tracking helps identify relevant measures.
- It improves the analysis of legislation.
- It ensures teams never miss updates.
This strengthens understanding of the legislative process.
Limitations of Traditional Systems
Traditional tracking methods often rely on manual effort.
- Delayed alerts can cause teams to miss updates.
- Limited real-time visibility reduces effectiveness.
- Poor organization of data slows analysis.
These issues make it difficult to stay ahead of regulatory changes and advocacy needs.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Policy Analysis
How AI Processes Legislative Data
AI helps process large amounts of legislative data quickly.
- Natural language processing improves the understanding of legislation.
- Machine learning analyzes patterns in bills and regulations.
- Automation reduces manual tracking tasks.
This allows teams to save time and improve efficiency.
AI-Powered Insights for Better Analysis
AI provides ai powered insights that enhance analysis.
These insights help identify relevant measures and track policy changes across jurisdictions.
Organizations can anticipate trends and stay ahead of developments.
Real Time Alerts and Automation
AI-powered tools provide real-time alerts that notify users instantly.
- Alerts for new bills and updates.
- Notifications for committee hearings and vote changes.
- Updates on regulatory developments.
These alerts ensure teams never miss important information.
Key Benefits of AI-Powered Legislative Tracking
Real Time Monitoring and Alerts
AI enables continuous tracking across jurisdictions.
- Receive real-time alerts on bills and regulations.
- Stay informed about policy developments.
- Never miss important updates.
This ensures full visibility into legislative changes.
Predictive Insights for Decision-Making
AI uses data to generate ai powered insights.
- Forecast outcomes of bills.
- Identify policy changes early.
- Support informed decisions.
This helps organizations stay ahead of risks.
Improved Efficiency and Organization
Automation improves organization and workflow.
- Reduce manual tracking.
- Improve data accuracy.
- Generate report outputs faster.
Teams can work smarter and focus on strategy.
Enhanced Team Collaboration
Modern platforms improve team collaboration.
- Assign tasks to team members.
- Share updates with stakeholders and clients.
- Improve communication across teams.
This supports better coordination and execution.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Jurisdictions
AI tools provide comprehensive coverage of legislation.
- Track bills at the federal level and across jurisdictions.
- Monitor committees, hearings, and measures.
- Access centralized data.
This provides greater control over tracking activities.
How AI Enables Predictive Insights
Trend Identification
AI analyzes data to identify patterns in legislation.
- Track recurring measures.
- Monitor policy changes.
- Identify regulatory trends.
This improves understanding and helps teams anticipate future developments.
Outcome Prediction
AI models analyze data to predict outcomes.
- Estimate vote results.
- Analyze legislators and stakeholder positions.
- Evaluate opposition.
This strengthens decision-making and strategy.
Stakeholder Analysis
AI helps identify key stakeholders and relationships.
- Map connections between legislators and committees.
- Identify decision-makers.
- Support advocacy strategies.
This improves government relations efforts.
Use Cases of AI in Legislative Tracking
Government Agencies
Government agencies use tracking to monitor legislation and regulations.
- Track policy developments.
- Improve public services.
- Support compliance.
Legal Professionals
Legal teams rely on bill tracking and regulatory tracking.
- Analyze laws.
- Track changes in legislation.
- Support legal strategies.
Corporate Compliance Teams
Businesses use regulatory tracking to manage risk.
- Monitor regulations.
- Track policy changes.
- Stay ahead of compliance needs.
Advocacy Organizations
Advocacy groups rely on legislative tracking for advocacy efforts.
- Track bills and hearings.
- Engage stakeholders.
- Influence outcomes.
Challenges and Limitations
Data Quality Issues
Legislative data can be inconsistent across jurisdictions.
- Different formats for bills.
- Missing information.
- Inconsistent terminology.
This affects analysis accuracy.
Interpretation Limitations
AI improves understanding but cannot replace human judgment.
- Complex legal language requires review.
- Context matters in legislation.
Human expertise remains important.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
AI systems must be used responsibly.
- Data bias risks.
- Transparency requirements.
- Privacy concerns.
Organizations must ensure ethical use.
Future Trends in Legislative Intelligence
Advanced Predictive Analytics
AI will continue to improve analysis capabilities.
- Real time forecasting of bills.
- Better risk assessment.
- Improved insights.
Integration with Big Data
Combining data sources improves understanding.
- Economic data.
- Social trends.
- Industry insights.
This enhances analysis and decision-making.
AI Powered Decision Support
Future platforms will provide automated insights.
- Recommendations based on data.
- Improved decision support.
This helps organizations stay ahead.
Global Legislative Monitoring
AI enables tracking across jurisdictions globally.
- Monitor international legislation.
- Track global regulations.
This supports global compliance strategies.
How to Choose the Right Legislative Tracking Platform
Key Features to Look For
- Real time alerts and email alerts.
- AI powered analysis and insights.
- Advanced reporting and dashboards.
Scalability and Integration
- Flexible access to data.
- Integration with existing systems.
- Ability to handle large data volumes.
User Experience and Collaboration
- Easy search functions.
- Clear report outputs.
- Ability to share updates with stakeholders and colleagues.
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Early voting in Texas has surged past recent midterm and presidential benchmarks, with Democratic ballots currently outpacing Republican participation and fueling new debate over enthusiasm, turnout dynamics and what the numbers could signal for November. At the same time, the State Board of Education has approved more than 4,000 revisions to the state-developed Bluebonnet curriculum, reigniting scrutiny over oversight, taxpayer costs and how religion and American history are presented in public schools. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott praised President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address and highlighted Texas’ alignment on border security, school choice and economic policy, underscoring the continued political partnership as Trump prepares to visit the state ahead of the primaries.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends
Sen. John Cornyn is closing his Republican Senate primary campaign by warning that a Ken Paxton nomination could jeopardize GOP success across Texas in November, while Paxton allies argue he is best positioned to energize conservative turnout in a race highlighting competing strategies for maintaining Republican dominance statewide. In the Republican contest for Texas attorney general, the four leading candidates largely agreed on core conservative policies but used a recent forum to intensify clashes over experience, political loyalty, and campaign credibility. Meanwhile, Texas is emerging as a national testing ground for small modular nuclear reactors, with state leaders and private companies betting the technology can meet surging electricity demand.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
A crowded Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Chip Roy is taking shape as former MLB star Mark Teixeira pours millions into his campaign and secures endorsements from President Trump and Gov. Abbott, positioning himself as the early frontrunner in a race that will likely decide the next representative for the solidly red district. At the same time, federal regulators have launched an inquiry into ABC’s The View after it interviewed Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Meanwhile, Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing a Bastrop rendering plant over emissions described by residents as overwhelming and harmful, escalating a high-profile environmental dispute that has drawn hundreds of complaints and could result in significant penalties for the company.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
