Bill > SB545

This bill strengthens Maryland's criminal laws regarding child pornography by establishing new prohibitions and penalties. The legislation creates specific offenses related to possessing, viewing, or distributing child pornography, with enhanced penalties for more serious violations. Specifically, the bill makes it a felony to possess 100 or more images of child pornography, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and creates an additional felony offense for possessing any images depicting a minor or an image indistinguishable from a child under 13 years old, also carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. The bill defines "indistinguishable from an actual and identifiable child" as an image that an ordinary person would believe depicts a real child, which can include computer-generated images but explicitly excludes drawings, cartoons, sculptures, and paintings. The legislation also specifies that sentences for these offenses can be served separately from or concurrently with sentences for other related crimes. The bill aims to provide law enforcement with clearer tools to prosecute child pornography offenses and protect minors from sexual exploitation, with the new provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0545?ys=2025RS