MD SB736

Raises the protected age for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offenses from under 16 years to under 18 years, covering both actual children and computer-generated images indistinguishable from real children

Increases first-offense penalties from up to 5 years imprisonment and $2,500 fine to up to 10 years imprisonment and $25,000 fine

Increases repeat-offense penalties from up to 10 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine to up to 20 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine, elevating the charge to a felony

Creates a civil cause of action allowing depicted persons to sue for actual damages, punitive damages up to $250,000, attorney's fees, and other relief without requiring a criminal conviction

Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report by December 1 to the General Assembly on best practices for detecting AI-generated images, technology changes affecting enforcement, and prosecution data