§13–101.2.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Artificial intelligence” has the meaning stated in § 3.5–801 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

        (3)    “Office” means the Administrative Office of the Courts.

        (4)    “Program” means the Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program.

    (b)    There is an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program in the Office.

    (c)    (1)    The purpose of the Program is to provide expertise in artificial intelligence to the circuit courts and the District Court in the form of expert testimony on the authenticity of electronic evidence that a court determines may have been created or altered using artificial intelligence.

        (2)    The Program shall engage college and university students, recent graduates, and faculty and technology professionals dedicated to the research and advancement of artificial intelligence in order to develop expert witness resources for courts to use in cases implicating the use of artificial intelligence.

        (3)    The Program shall prioritize civil cases in which one or more parties do not have legal representation or reasonable access to expert testimony.

    (d)    In administering the Program, the Office shall:

        (1)    Develop a grant application for the Program; and

        (2)    Award grants to eligible institutions of higher education.

    (e)    (1)    For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 to the Program.

        (2)    Not more than 20% of the money appropriated to the Program may be used for administrative expenses.

    (f)    The terms of an agreement between the Office and a grantee may include a clause that requires the Office to hold harmless the grantee against any claim alleging liability or damages relating to the provision of expertise in artificial intelligence as part of the Program, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct, gross negligence, or intentionally tortious conduct.