In one paragraph
Maryland's HB 872 (2024) would have required candidates, campaign finance entities, certain registrants and their agents to include a disclosure when they distribute campaign material made with or containing synthetic media (an image, audio or video intentionally manipulated with generative AI or other digital technology to create a realistic but false version) to anyone in Maryland. Violations would have been a misdemeanor (up to $1,000, 1 year, or both). A hearing was set for February 27, 2024; it went no further and died when the session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died when the 2024 session ended and never became law. If enacted, campaigns would have had to label synthetic media in campaign materials.
Key provisions
- Would have added Election Law section 13-401.2 covering candidates, campaign finance entities, persons registered under sections 13-306, 13-307 or 13-309.2, and their agents
- Disclosure must state that the image, audio or video "has been altered or modified through the use of computer programs" to display an event, sound or image "that did not occur"; still-image text no smaller than the largest other text, video text visible for the full video
- Audio must carry the statement at the beginning and end and at intervals of no more than 2 minutes for recordings of 2 minutes or longer
- Violation would be a misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000, up to 1 year imprisonment, or both) with 4 years' ineligibility for public or party office; the State Prosecutor or a State's Attorney could prosecute a willful violation
- No exemptions or sunset; would have taken effect January 1, 2025
Latest legislative action
Feb 5, 2024. Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 35)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Acevero | Primary |
| Alston | Primary |
| Bartlett | Primary |
| Buckel | Primary |
| Chair | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
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