1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Bot” means an automated online account where all or substantially all of the actions or posts of that account are not the result of a person.
   3. (3) “Online” means appearing on any public-facing Internet website, web application, or digital application, including a social network or publication.

2. (b)

   1. (1) This section applies to any candidate, campaign finance entity, person required to register under § 13-306, § 13-307, or § 13-309.2 of this title, or an agent of a candidate, campaign finance entity, or person required to register under § 13-306, § 13-307, or § 13-309.2 of this title.
   2. (2) In addition to the requirements under §§ 13-401 and 13-403 of this subtitle, a person subject to this section that uses a bot to publish, distribute, or disseminate campaign material online to another person in the State for the purpose of influencing an election shall disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner on the campaign material that the person is using a bot to publish, distribute, or disseminate the campaign material.
   3. (3) If a person subject to this section violates the requirement under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board may seek to remove the bot.
3. (c) This section does not impose a duty on service providers of online platforms, including web hosting and Internet service providers.

Added by Acts 2020, c. 216, § 1, eff. June 1, 2020.