Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1294: Criminal Law - Child Sexual Abuse Material - Artificial Intelligence Software
Status: In committee, March 20, 2026
Altering the term "child pornography" to be "child sexual abuse material" for purposes of certain criminal offenses; and defining "computer-generated image" to include images created through the use of artificial intelligence software as the term pertains to provisions of law related to child sexual abuse material.
What the bill says
An act concerning Criminal Law - Child Sexual Abuse Material - Artificial Intelligence Software FOR the purpose of altering the term "child pornography" to be "child sexual abuse material" for purposes of certain criminal offenses; defining "computer-generated image" to include images created through the use of artificial intelligence software as the term pertains to provisions of law related to child sexual abuse material; and generally relating to child sexual abuse material. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 10-402(c)(2)(ii)1.F…
From the engrossed text, March 13, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Criminal Law - Child Sexual Abuse Material - Artificial Intelligence Software FOR the purpose of altering the term "child pornography" to be "child sexual abuse material" for purposes of certain criminal offenses; defining "computer-generated image" to include images created through the use of artificial intelligence software as the term pertains to provisions of law related to child sexual abuse material; and generally relating to child sexual abuse material. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 10-402(c)(2)(ii)1.F. and 10-406(a)(6) Annotated Code of Maryland (2020 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Law Section 9-801(g)(10), 11-208, and 11-208.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2021 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Criminal Procedure Section 2-503(a)(1)(i)4. Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume) EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law. Underlining indicates amendments to bill. Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by amendment. *hb1294* HOUSE BILL 1294 BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Education Section 23-506.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read …