In one paragraph
Maryland's SB 989 (2026, the Safe Kids Act, cross-filed with HB 924) 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. The history shows only first reading in Senate Rules on February 18, 2026, and the bill 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
- Would have added Courts and Judicial Proceedings sections 3-2701 to 3-2707 (Subtitle 27, civil actions for unlawful child exploitation material)
- Unlawful 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
- An 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
- A 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
- Would 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"
- Section 11-208 penalties unchanged: first offense up to 5 years and $2,500; repeat offense up to 10 years and $10,000
- Would have taken effect October 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Feb 18, 2026. First Reading Senate Rules; died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Shaneka Henson D | Sponsor | SD-030 |
Topics and industries
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