MarylandSB 00082026 Regular SessionSenate

Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Representations

Sponsored By: Katie Fry Hester (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesArtificial Intelligence -see also- BiometricsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DeepfakesDigital ImagesFraud -see also- ForgeryHarassment -see also- ThreatsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal Identifying InformationRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsThreatsVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries Compensation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Crackdown on AI deepfakes and scams

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law bans using AI or deepfakes to impersonate someone, make false records, or trick people to hand over personal data or money. A single‑victim violation is a felony with up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or both. With two or more victims, penalties rise to up to 10 years or a $15,000 fine, or both. Victims can sue to stop the conduct and get other court relief.

Stronger ban on identity misuse

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law makes it a crime to use someone’s personal information without consent to cause harm. Harm includes physical injury, serious emotional distress, or financial loss. The law also expands the crime of assuming another person’s identity to cover doing so to harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or coerce that person.

Clear definitions for AI and deepfakes

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law defines “artificial intelligence” by state standard. It defines a “deepfake representation” as photo, video, audio, or computer images that look like a real, identifiable person, and excludes drawings, cartoons, sculptures, and paintings. “Indistinguishable” uses an ordinary‑person test and includes computer‑generated or altered images. “Harm” includes physical injury, serious emotional distress, or financial loss.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Katie Fry Hester
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Nick Charles
Democratic • Senate
William G. Folden
Republican • Senate
Shaneka Henson
Democratic • Senate
Shelly Hettleman
Democratic • Senate
Mary-Dulany James
Democratic • Senate
Sara Love
Democratic • Senate
Mike McKay
Republican • Senate
C. Anthony Muse
Democratic • Senate
William C. Smith
Democratic • Senate
Charles E. Sydnor
Democratic • Senate
Jeff Waldstreicher
Democratic • Senate
Chris West
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 445
5/12/2026
Returned Passed
4/10/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (132-0)
4/10/2026House
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/8/2026House
Favorable Report by Judiciary
4/8/2026House
Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/26/2026House
Referred Judiciary
3/20/2026House
Third Reading Passed (45-0)
3/19/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/18/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments {493123/1 Adopted
3/18/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
3/16/2026Senate
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
1/14/2026Senate
Hearing 1/22 at 1:00 p.m.
1/13/2026Senate
Pre-filed
8/26/2025Senate

Bill Text

Enacted
5/12/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/18/2026
PDF
First Reading
1/14/2026
PDF

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