Disclaimer: This page provides general informational summaries only and does not constitute legal advice. AI-generated content may contain errors. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Read full disclaimer →
AI Summary
The bill establishes an AI Evidence Clinic Pilot Program to assist Maryland courts with expert AI testimony and authorizes funding for eligible institutions.
Business Impact
If you operate in Maryland and engage with AI-related evidence in court, you must be prepared to utilize expert testimony by fiscal year 2027 or face potential legal challenges.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
SB655 aims to create an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program within Maryland's court system. This initiative is designed to enhance the courts' understanding and handling of certain AI-related evidence through expert testimony. The program will also provide grants to higher education institutions to support this effort, reflecting a growing recognition of AI's role in legal contexts.
Key Provisions
- Establishes an AI Evidence Clinic Pilot Program within the Administrative Office of the Courts.
- Requires the Office to provide expert testimony on certain AI-related evidence to circuit and District Courts.
- Mandates the development of a grant application for funding eligible higher education institutions.
- Authorizes $250,000 in funding for the program for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
Latest Legislative Action
Vetoed by the Governor (Policy)
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Katie Hester D | Sponsor | SD-009 |
Roll Call Votes
H ·
Third Reading: Passed ·
Apr 7, 2025
134 Yea
5 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Third Reading: Passed ·
Apr 7, 2025
47 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
S ·
Third Reading: Passed ·
Mar 12, 2025
47 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Amendments (2)
Favorable with Amendments 963824/1 Adopted
Adopted
2025-03-11
Favorable with Amendments 373728/1 Adopted
Adopted
2025-04-02
Compliance Checklist
Prepare to utilize expert AI testimony in court cases
Who: Legal teams and court officials
Deadline: By fiscal year 2027
Penalty: Potential legal challenges or inadequate evidence evaluation
Who: Legal teams and court officials
Deadline: By fiscal year 2027
Penalty: Potential legal challenges or inadequate evidence evaluation
Apply for grants to support AI-related research and expertise
Who: Eligible higher education institutions
Deadline: As specified in the grant application process
Penalty: Loss of funding opportunities
Who: Eligible higher education institutions
Deadline: As specified in the grant application process
Penalty: Loss of funding opportunities
Full Legal Analysis
SB655 proposes the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program under the Administrative Office of the Courts in Maryland. The primary objective of this program is to provide expertise in artificial intelligence to circuit courts and the District Court, specifically in the form of expert testimony regarding certain types of evidence. The bill mandates the Office to develop a grant application process to award grants to eligible higher education institutions, thereby fostering collaboration between academia and the judiciary in understanding AI's implications in legal matters. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Governor to include $250,000 in the annual budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to support this initiative. This reflects an increasing acknowledgment of the need for specialized knowledge in AI as it becomes more prevalent in various sectors, including law. The bill's focus on expert testimony indicates a proactive approach to integrating AI considerations into judicial processes, potentially influencing how evidence is evaluated in court cases involving AI technologies.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB655 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
More Maryland AI Legislation
SB114
3-1-1 Systems - Expansion Program and Oversight Board - Establishment
Medium
SB141
Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and …
High
SB8
Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake …
High
HB145
Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and …
High
HB1057
Education - Artificial Intelligence - Guidelines, Professional Develo…
Medium
SB597
Higher Education - Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership
Low
View All MD Laws →
More Maryland AI Laws
Browse all published AI bills and regulations for Maryland.