When the Supreme Court issues an opinion that requires a change in Maryland law, I often introduce a bill.

I did so this session after the court’s decision modified the standard for when a verbal threat is a criminal offense, no longer protected by the First Amendment.

Today, the nine justices heard a challenge to a Florida statute that prevents websites from permanently barring candidates for political office in the state and a Texas law that prohibits removing any content based on a user’s viewpoint.

Until the court issues its opinion, most likely in June, the state of the law is in flux.

A provision in my House Bill 333 would regulate the posting of incorrect or misleading information about election procedures, election results, or voting rights in Maryland on major web platforms.

That portion of the bill needs to be set aside until next session, when we will know the legal standard resulting from today’s case.

However, HB 333 also provides for a portal maintained by the State Board of Elections where voters can submit examples of misinformation about the above topics.

This evidence will help us build the case that we need to regulate misinformation, consistent with the state’s ability to do so.