HB 883 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Consumer Protection - Artificial Intelligence - Behavioral Health Care Prohibitions

HB 883 prohibits AI developers from making or causing AI to make claims that the AI is a behavioral health provider or can deliver behavioral health care services. It requires AI sold to Maryland consumers to include clear notices stating users are interacting with AI (not a human) and to detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm, automatically referring users to crisis services. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1 million per offense, with funds directed to Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workgroup Investment Fund. The law directly affects AI developers and sellers operating in Maryland, focusing on preventing misleading AI interactions in mental health contexts.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Consumer Protection - Artificial Intelligence - Behavioral Health Care Prohibitions → Third - Consumer Protection - Artificial Intelligence - Behavioral Health Care Prohibitions · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to clarify its legal status and expand its scope. The changes convert violations into unfair trade practices under consumer protection law, add new definitions for behavioral health care providers, and reorganize how the bill is enacted in the state code.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include additional types of behavioral health care providers and to align enforcement with Maryland's Consumer Protection Act.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of the Act are now explicitly classified as unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, strengthening enforcement authority.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'Behavioral Health Care Provider' to include licensed physicians and nurse practitioners, broadening who is protected by the law.

TECHNICAL

The bill's enactment method was changed from adding new sections to repealing and reenacting existing sections, and the subtitle was reorganized within the Commercial Law Article.

REQUIREMENT

The definition of Artificial Intelligence was updated to reference a different statute in the State Finance and Procurement Insurance Article.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

How they voted

110–23

Passed · 9 other

Total votes 142

Mar 11, 2026

D Democratic103

97 Yea 6

94% Yea

R Republican39

13 Yea 23 Nay 3

58% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

lower

Mar 11, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (110-23-9)

house of delegates

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

First Reading Economic Matters and Health

lower

12 primary · 0 co-sponsors