Bill > HB145

This bill establishes new measures to combat election misinformation, election disinformation, and deepfakes in Maryland. Election disinformation is defined as knowingly and deliberately spreading false or misleading information about election details, results, or voting rights, while election misinformation is any incorrect or misleading information on these topics. The State Board of Elections will host a website portal for the public to report such content, and the board will periodically review these reports, issue corrections, or refer serious cases to the State Prosecutor. If a credible report of election misinformation, disinformation, or a deepfake (which is a realistic but false depiction of a person created using artificial intelligence or digital technology) is received, the State Administrator must provide accurate information to correct it, may seek court orders to remove the false content from online platforms, and can issue subpoenas for records related to its dissemination. The State Board can also file civil lawsuits against individuals or entities that publish election misinformation or disinformation and incur costs to correct it, seeking damages, court costs, and attorney's fees. However, these provisions do not apply to satire or parody, or to certain broadcasts and publications that clearly identify deceptive content or make good-faith efforts to verify its authenticity. Knowingly or recklessly disseminating a deepfake to spread materially false information with the intent to impede voting decisions, misrepresent election facts, or influence petition signing is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. This act will take effect on June 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0145?ys=2026RS