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HB 710

Criminal Law - Display of Obscene Material to Minors

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Arikan and 5 co-sponsors

HB 710 criminalizes displaying obscene material to minors in Maryland, establishing penalties for exposing children to sexually explicit content.

First Reading Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 710

Legislative bill overview

HB 710 would establish or modify criminal penalties for displaying obscene material to minors in Maryland. The bill appears to strengthen existing laws or create new prohibitions against exposing children to sexually explicit content. It was introduced in February 2026 and is currently in the Judiciary Committee.

Why is this important

Child protection laws directly affect law enforcement practices, retail operations, entertainment venues, and digital platforms. The specifics of obscenity definitions and penalties can significantly impact free speech protections, parental authority, and the resources required for enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "obscene": Courts have struggled for decades to define obscenity clearly; overly broad language could catch protected speech, while narrow definitions may leave gaps in child protection
  • Digital platform liability: Unclear whether the bill assigns responsibility to online platforms, content creators, or individuals, potentially affecting social media companies and user-generated content sites
  • First Amendment balance: Distinguishing between protecting minors and restricting adults' constitutional rights to access legal material remains constitutionally contentious

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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