MD SB697: Election Law - Actions to Influence an Election - Social Media Platform Algorithms and Bots Purchased by Foreign Nationals

In one paragraph

Maryland's SB 697 (2026, third reader text) would have added Election Law section 13-251 presuming a social media platform made an independent expenditure if it knowingly and purposely changed its algorithm, without a legitimate business purpose or standard editorial policy, to amplify political content benefiting a clearly identified candidate. It would also have barred foreign nationals from using bots to spread campaign material or amplify political content. It passed the Senate 45-0, was referred to a House committee, 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 treated platform algorithm changes favoring a candidate as independent expenditures and barred foreign-national bots.

Key provisions

1. 1Would have added Election Law section 13-251, covering candidates for state or local office in Maryland
2. 2A platform would be presumed to have made an independent expenditure if it knowingly and purposely altered its algorithm to amplify political content benefiting a clearly identified candidate, absent a legitimate business purpose or editorial policy and not as paid advertising
3. 3Platform could rebut with evidence and a State Board declaratory ruling (not meant to influence an election, organic virality, or no viewpoint-driven decision)
4. 4Willful and knowing failure to file the required report: misdemeanor, fine up to 300% of the amount over the contribution limit; State Board civil penalty up to 100% for unintentional violations; platform pays, not the candidate unless coordination is found
5. 5Would have amended section 13-401.1 to bar a foreign national from using a bot to disseminate campaign material to people in Maryland or to artificially amplify political content to influence an election; State Board could seek bot removal
6. 6Existing law already requires specified persons using bots to disseminate campaign material to disclose the bot use; the bill adds the foreign-national ban
7. 7Would have taken effect October 1, 2026; passed the Senate 45-0 on March 19, 2026 and died in the House

Latest legislative action

Mar 24, 2026. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.; died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026

Sponsors (showing 5 of 19)

Roll call votes