In one paragraph
Maryland's HB 715 (2026, first reader text, cross-filed with SB 602) would have created the Algorithmic Addiction Fund, administered by the Maryland Department of Health, to hold civil penalties the State receives from judgments or settlements over harm to children from social media and improper use of algorithms, for prevention, intervention and treatment programs. The fund would start only after such a judgment or settlement. It had a hearing set for March 10, 2026 in House Appropriations and died when the 2026 session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and did not become law. It would not have imposed duties on companies directly; it would have set up a state fund for settlement and penalty money.
Key provisions
- Would have added State Finance and Procurement section 7-332 creating the Algorithmic Addiction Fund, a special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Maryland Department of Health
- Fund sources: civil penalties the State receives from a judgment or settlement over harm to children from social media and improper use of algorithms, money appropriated in the State budget, and interest
- Uses include a statewide needs assessment, services for mental and physical health impacts (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide, sleep problems), intervention and prevention services including digital and media literacy, and research and training
- Expenditures only as provided in the State budget; the Secretary of Health would run a grant program for political subdivisions and report to the General Assembly by November 1 each year
- Would have amended section 6-226 so the fund's interest stays in the fund
- The fund section takes effect only after a federal or State court judgment against, or settlement with, technology or social media companies on State claims for damages under State law, once the Department of Legislative Services receives notice; the Act's general date is June 1, 2026 subject to that condition
- The bill places no duty on social media companies and has no sunset
Latest legislative action
Feb 17, 2026. Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations); died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026
Sponsors (showing 5 of 105)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Adams | Primary |
| Allen | Primary |
| Anderton | Primary |
| Arikan | Primary |
| Baker | Primary |
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error