Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

This bill amends Maine law to specifically address technology-facilitated sexual abuse, particularly focusing on AI-generated content. It defines "child sexual abuse material" to include AI-created images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct, and makes it a crime to intentionally create or modify such images using generative AI or machine learning. The law applies to anyone who knowingly produces or alters AI content depicting identifiable minors (recognizable by face or features) in sexual abuse material, with Class B penalties for first offenses. Exceptions exist for educational use by schools, libraries, or museums.

LD 1301 prohibits Maine health insurance companies and their contractors from using artificial intelligence to deny, delay, or modify health insurance claims starting January 1, 2026. It requires that any denial based on medical necessity must be made by a clinical peer (a healthcare professional) who reviews the patient’s medical history and provider’s recommendation. The bill also mandates that AI use must be transparent to patients, cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics, and must be reviewed for accuracy. This directly affects health insurers and their third-party reviewers handling claim decisions in Maine.

LD 109 directs Maine's Arts Commission to study federal and national efforts protecting artists from copyright infringement by AI companies and monitoring educational use of copyrighted works. The commission must consult with the Attorney General and examine relevant laws, including the proposed No Fakes Act and Tennessee's likeness protection law, as well as past legal cases. It will report findings - including potential legislative recommendations - to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee by December 3, 2025. This study specifically affects artists whose work may be used without permission by AI developers and educational institutions using copyrighted materials. The resolution does not enact new law but sets a process for future legislative action based on the commission's findings.