MD HB924: Child Exploitation Material - Civil and Criminal Actions (Safe Kids Act)

In one paragraph

Maryland's HB 924 (2026, the Safe Kids Act, cross-filed with SB 989) would have let a parent or guardian sue an online platform that knowingly and intentionally distributes, or creates or develops, unlawful child exploitation material, and would have amended Criminal Law section 11-208 so a computer-generated image includes one created through the use of artificial intelligence software. It was assigned to House Judiciary with a hearing set for March 4, 2026, 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 have exposed online platforms to civil suits over child exploitation material, including AI-created images.

Key provisions

1. 1Would have added Courts and Judicial Proceedings sections 3-2701 to 3-2707 (Subtitle 27, civil actions for unlawful child exploitation material)
2. 2Unlawful child exploitation material: child pornography, obscene material involving a minor, or a child sexual exploitation device or image; online platform: any public-facing website, web application or digital application, including a social network or ad network
3. 3An online platform could not knowingly and intentionally distribute such material or create or develop it, in whole or part, on or by using the internet; internet service providers, search engines and cloud providers were exempt to the extent they only transmit, route or store others' communications
4. 4A parent or legal guardian of a depicted or exposed minor could sue for nominal, actual and punitive damages, court costs and attorney's fees; the Attorney General could seek injunctive or equitable relief; platforms jointly and severally liable; no conviction required
5. 5Would have amended Criminal Law section 11-208 so a computer-generated image includes an image created through the use of artificial intelligence software, and replaced the under-16 age with "minor"
6. 6Section 11-208 penalties unchanged: first offense up to 5 years and $2,500; repeat offense up to 10 years and $10,000
7. 7Would have taken effect October 1, 2026

Latest legislative action

Feb 5, 2026. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.; died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026

Sponsors (showing 5 of 13)

Related and companion bills

• Maryland SB989Child Exploitation Material - Civil and Criminal Actions (Safe Kids Act)