HB 394 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Civil Actions - Distribution of Obscene Material to Minors and Age Verification Information

HB 394 creates legal liability for commercial websites that knowingly distribute obscene material to minors online, requiring them to use reasonable age verification (like government ID or commercial systems) before access. It prohibits companies or third parties performing age verification from retaining any personal identifying information after granting or denying access to the material. The bill allows minors or their guardians to sue violators for damages related to minors accessing obscene content or improper data retention. It explicitly excludes news organizations, broadcast media, and standard internet service providers from these requirements. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Feb 3, 2025
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4
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0
Committee
1
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
First Reading Judiciary
lower
7 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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