Criminal Law – Interference With Critical Infrastructure or a Public Safety Answering Point – Penalties

HB 444 amends Maryland's criminal law to prohibit intentionally disrupting critical infrastructure (like power grids or water systems) or public safety answering points (such as 911 centers) through unauthorized computer access or other actions. It directly affects individuals who interfere with these systems, such as by hacking into networks, introducing ransomware, or damaging infrastructure with the intent to deny access or cause malfunction. Key provisions define "critical infrastructure" broadly as systems vital to public safety, health, or economic security, and establish penalties for unauthorized access, data disruption, or sharing access codes that impair these systems. The bill specifically targets acts like ransomware attacks that lock systems and demand payment, clarifying existing law to strengthen protections for essential services.