On February 4, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee to support HB 525 – Election Law – Influence on a Voter’s Voting Decision By Use of Fraud – Prohibition.
This bill strengthens Maryland’s election laws by prohibiting deepfakes and other synthetic media from fraudulently influencing voters or misrepresenting candidates during elections.
Counties administer elections and play a critical role in ensuring their integrity. The rise of “deepfakes” —manipulated videos, images, and audio generated through artificial intelligence — poses a significant threat to voter confidence and the democratic process. This bill provides a necessary safeguard by ensuring election officials have the tools to combat deceptive practices and maintain public trust in Maryland’s elections.
Counties are critical in protecting election integrity by ensuring voters receive accurate information and preventing deceptive practices. This bill supports these efforts by addressing the growing threat of synthetic media and enhancing safeguards against emerging digital manipulation, ensuring Maryland remains a leader in election security and transparency.
HB 525’s cross-file, SB 361, was heard on February 26 in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Kevin Kinnally testified in support of this bill.
SB 361 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Ways and Means Committee, on March 25. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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