HB 711, the Data Privacy Act, prohibits businesses from selling consumer data they know or should know will be used for immigration enforcement. It requires public record custodians to prevent unauthorized access to records, especially for immigration purposes, and mandates reasonable rules to block such access. The bill also defines "sensitive data" to include immigration status, health information, racial background, and biometric data, requiring entities to handle this data carefully. Additionally, it sets new rules for message switching systems (like messaging apps) to prevent misuse of user data. These changes directly affect businesses handling consumer data, government record keepers, and digital service providers in Maryland.
HB 1530 repeals a requirement that undocumented students (or their parents/guardians) must file Maryland income tax returns annually for three years to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges. The bill directly affects undocumented students who attended Maryland high schools and meet other existing criteria (graduation from a Maryland school, applying within six years). Instead of tax filings, students must now submit an affidavit committing to apply for permanent residency within 30 days of eligibility, plus proof of Selective Service compliance if required. The bill maintains other eligibility conditions like Maryland high school attendance but removes the tax documentation burden, aiming to simplify access to in-state tuition rates.
HB 573 updates Maryland's fair housing laws to prohibit discriminatory housing practices based on *effect* - not just *intent*. It explicitly states that actions creating segregated housing patterns or disproportionately harming protected groups (based on race, disability, sexual orientation, etc.) are illegal, regardless of whether the actor intended harm. The bill requires the Department of Housing to adopt regulations ensuring local governments and housing authorities actively "affirmatively further fair housing" through assessments in comprehensive planning. This directly affects housing providers, landlords, local governments, and housing authorities by expanding prohibited conduct and mandating proactive fair housing measures.
HB 1017 prohibits Maryland state or local governments from approving private entities to operate immigration detention facilities unless the facility’s use is explicitly permitted under applicable zoning laws. It defines such facilities as buildings housing individuals for immigration violations (including those with security features like perimeter fencing or locked areas), and clarifies that general "government/institutional" zoning does not cover them. Private operators violating this face civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, and the Attorney General can enforce the law through court actions. The law applies retroactively to existing agreements for facilities intended for immigration detention, regardless of prior permits or investments.
HB 598 creates a temporary license for internationally trained physicians to practice medicine in Maryland under specific conditions. It allows the State Board of Physicians to issue a 3-year license (non-renewable) to doctors who hold a WHO-recognized medical degree outside the U.S., completed 2 years of equivalent postgraduate training, practiced medicine for 5 of the last 7 years abroad, passed U.S. medical exams (USMLE Steps 1-3), and meet other criteria like English proficiency and Maryland residency. The license requires physicians to pursue full licensure through board-established pathways after the temporary period ends. This directly affects internationally trained doctors seeking to work in Maryland’s healthcare system, providing a structured but limited pathway to practice.
