summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibiting an entity from including in a contract for certain State public art a provision requiring artists to waive copyright rights; defining "State public art" as public art commissioned for a project that receives State funding, regardless of whether the State funding directly paid for the public art; requiring certain State public art to be registered with the Maryland State Arts Council; and applying the Act prospectively.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits entities from requiring artists to give up their copyright protections or moral rights, specifically those under 17 U.S.C. § 106A, in contracts for "State public art," which is defined as art commissioned for projects receiving any amount of State funding, even if that funding didn't directly pay for the artwork. While artists can voluntarily waive these rights in writing, the bill mandates that all State public art must be registered with the Maryland State Arts Council, including details like the artist's name, art's location, type, title, and creation date, and the Council will maintain a public online database of this registered art. This legislation is intended to apply only to contracts made after its effective date of October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (13)
Elizabeth Embry (D)*,
Dylan Behler (D),
Regina Boyce (D),
Charlotte Crutchfield (D),
Cathi Forbes (D),
Aaron Kaufman (D),
Cheryl Pasteur (D),
Malcolm Ruff (D),
Sheila Ruth (D),
Sean Stinnett (D),
Karen Toles (D),
Sarah Wolek (D),
Teresa Woorman (D),
Last Action
Second Reading Passed with Amendments (on 02/24/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0387?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0387t.pdf |
| Favorable with Amendments 593320/1 Adopted | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/amds/bil_0007/hb0387_59332001.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/hb0387_app.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0387f.pdf |
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