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Bill > HB1250


MD HB1250

MD HB1250
Consumer Protection and Product Liability - Chatbots


summary

Introduced
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Regulating the manner in which a developer designs and creates and an operator makes available to users in the State a chatbot, including establishing safety and privacy protections for users; establishing, an enhanced protection for users who are minors under the age of 13 years; requiring the display of certain warnings when using a chatbot; establishing that a chatbot is considered a product for certain product liability actions; applying certain provisions of the Act to governmental units; etc.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology Act," establishes regulations for the design, creation, and availability of chatbots, which are defined as generative artificial intelligence systems with natural language interfaces that provide adaptive responses. Key provisions include requiring clear and conspicuous warnings that chatbots are artificially generated and not human, with specific requirements for both static and dynamic alerts, especially for users under 13 years old, who receive enhanced protections. The bill mandates that chatbots be treated as products for product liability actions, meaning developers and operators can be held strictly liable for harm caused to users, and users can sue for design, manufacturing, or marketing defects. It also prohibits the sale of chat logs, discriminatory practices against users who exercise their rights under the act, and misleading advertisements about a chatbot's capabilities. Furthermore, the bill requires operators to implement comprehensive data security programs and conduct monthly safety testing, with findings to be publicly published. The Act also applies certain provisions to governmental units that design, create, or make chatbots available, and establishes that violations are considered unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices, subject to enforcement and penalties under existing consumer protection laws, with the possibility of punitive damages for knowing violations.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

House Economic Matters Hearing (13:00:00 3/3/2026 ) (on 03/03/2026)

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