MD HB710

Expands the definition of "item" in Maryland's obscene material law to include drawings and illustrations, in addition to photographs, books, videos, and other media already covered

Extends existing prohibitions on displaying obscene material to minors to apply to public schools, adding school principals to the list of responsible parties alongside business owners and managers

Adds "rental" and "borrowing" to the prohibited activities, and changes "place of business" to "premises" to encompass school settings

First violation constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine; subsequent violations carry up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine

Effective date: October 1, 2026