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AI Summary
The bill establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund to address algorithm addiction treatment and prevention, funded by settlements with tech companies.
Business Impact
If you operate a tech or social media company in Maryland, you must prepare for potential financial liabilities related to algorithm addiction claims by June 1, 2024.
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
SB739 aims to create the Algorithmic Addiction Fund, utilizing revenue from legal actions against tech companies to support treatment and prevention efforts. The Secretary of Health will be tasked with developing related goals and establishing a grant program. This bill could significantly impact technology firms and their accountability regarding algorithmic practices.
Key Provisions
- Establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund.
- Includes revenue from judgments or settlements against tech companies.
- Requires the Secretary of Health to develop treatment and prevention goals.
- Mandates the establishment of a grant program for algorithm addiction.
- Effective date set for June 1, 2024.
Latest Legislative Action
Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 29)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Chair, Joint Committee on Pensions | Primary |
| Elfreth | Primary |
| Folden | Primary |
| Gallion | Primary |
| Hester | Primary |
Compliance Checklist
Prepare for potential financial liabilities related to algorithm addiction claims.
Who: Technology and social media companies operating in Maryland.
Deadline: By June 1, 2024.
Penalty: Financial liabilities from claims or settlements.
Who: Technology and social media companies operating in Maryland.
Deadline: By June 1, 2024.
Penalty: Financial liabilities from claims or settlements.
Develop strategies for algorithm addiction treatment and prevention.
Who: Secretary of Health.
Deadline: By June 1, 2024.
Who: Secretary of Health.
Deadline: By June 1, 2024.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
SB739 establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund, which will collect revenue from judgments or settlements against technology and social media companies related to claims made by the State of Maryland. The Secretary of Health is mandated to develop specific goals, objectives, and indicators for addressing algorithm addiction, which may include treatment and prevention strategies. Additionally, the Secretary is required to create a grant program to support these efforts. The bill's effective date is set for June 1, 2024, indicating that companies should prepare for compliance and potential financial implications by this date. This legislation reflects a growing trend in states to hold tech companies accountable for the societal impacts of their algorithms, similar to initiatives seen in other jurisdictions focusing on mental health and technology use.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB739 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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