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ME LD524: An Act to Protect Children from Technology-facilitated Sexual Abuse

Effective Apr 16, 2026 Maine · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

LD524 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Apr 16, 2026
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Maine's 2026 emergency law closes a gap that kept police from charging AI-generated child sexual abuse material. It redefines child sexual abuse material to include computer-generated images created or modified to appear to depict a minor, defines generative AI or machine learning and 'identifiable child', and makes it a Class B crime to alter an image of an identifiable child into such material or to create obscene child sexual abuse material, including with generative AI. Disseminating or possessing obscene AI-generated material is also criminalized. It took effect on approval, April 16, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Generative image tools and platforms face criminal exposure if used to create or distribute AI-generated or altered sexual images of minors in Maine.

Key provisions

  1. 17-A MRSA §281: child sexual abuse material includes computer-generated images created or modified to appear to depict a minor; defines 'generative AI or machine learning' and 'identifiable child'
  2. §282: Class B crime to modify or alter an image of an identifiable child to create child sexual abuse material
  3. §282: Class B crime to manufacture or create obscene child sexual abuse material, including with generative AI or machine learning
  4. §283: Class C crime to disseminate, or possess with intent to disseminate, obscene child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images
  5. §284: Class D crime to possess, access or view obscene child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images
  6. Age and identifiable-child status may be inferred from the image or shown by expert testimony
  7. Emergency measure effective on approval

Latest legislative action

Apr 16, 2026. Signed by the Governor; Public Law 2025, chapter 719 (emergency)

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

Affected industries

TechnologyMedia

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

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Same topic in other states

New Hampshire SB300 Criminalizing the creation of child intimate visual representations Montana HB82 Generally revise laws related to crimes against children Idaho H0465 CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the cri Oklahoma HB3642 Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Law on Obscenity and Child Pornography; scope o Nebraska LB383 Adopt the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, rename the Child Pornography Prev Florida H0757 Sexual Images