Technology

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 601: Cybersecurity - Standards and Compliance - Alterations

SB 601 requires all Maryland local school systems to designate a cybersecurity point of contact by 2027 and comply with state minimum cybersecurity standards established by the Department of Information Technology. Schools must conduct a cybersecurity maturity assessment every two years and certify compliance annually by June 30, starting in 2027. The bill repeals a previous requirement that county boards prioritize purchasing digital devices with certain funds and instead mandates annual reporting on cybersecurity expenditures. It also directs the Department of Information Technology to annually review and update the state cybersecurity standards. This bill directly affects all public school systems in Maryland, focusing on strengthening cybersecurity practices rather than device procurement.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires schools to adopt cybersecurity standards, conduct assessments, and certify compliance, directly enhancing data protection and cybersecurity measures.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 957: Cybersecurity - Standards and Compliance - Alterations

HB 957 requires all Maryland local school systems to designate a cybersecurity point of contact, comply with state minimum cybersecurity standards set by the Department of Information Technology (DOIT), and conduct a cybersecurity maturity assessment every two years starting in 2027. It repeals a prior requirement that county boards prioritize purchasing digital devices with certain funds, shifting focus toward cybersecurity compliance. Schools must annually certify compliance with DOIT’s standards by June 30 and report cybersecurity spending details by August 15 each year. The bill also mandates DOIT to annually review and update the state cybersecurity standards. This directly affects all local school systems and their technology budgeting and reporting practices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates cybersecurity standards, compliance, and assessments for schools, directly enhancing cybersecurity protections per bill language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 200: State Government - Council for Open Data - Membership and Responsibilities

SB 200 renames Maryland's "Council on Open Data" to the "Council for Open Data" and restructures its membership from 37 to 11 members. The Council now includes 10 state agency heads, the State Chief Data Officer (as chair), three locally appointed officials representing specific county groups, and five private-sector members appointed by the Governor. Its key duties include setting open data standards for portals, ensuring privacy/security, advising on budget needs, and promoting data-sharing partnerships. This directly affects state agencies, local governments (through appointed county representatives), and private-sector stakeholders participating in governance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates council to 'ensure privacy/security' and set open data standards, directly advancing data privacy and cybersecurity protocols.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 216: Unemployment Insurance - Confidentiality of Information

SB 216 updates Maryland's unemployment insurance confidentiality rules to align with federal requirements. It clarifies that claim details (including benefit amounts, address, and work refusal history), wage information, and other personal data are protected as "confidential unemployment insurance information." The bill allows limited disclosure to child support enforcement agencies when permitted under federal law, while adding penalties for unauthorized leaks by current or former Maryland Department of Labor employees. These changes directly affect unemployment claimants, employers, and child support agencies by defining how personal financial data may be shared.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects workers' personal data in unemployment claims, preventing unauthorized disclosure and aligning with federal privacy standards to safeguard sensitive information like benefit amounts and work history.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects personal data (confidentiality of unemployment info) under privacy safeguards, directly supporting data privacy within technology policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 247: Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit - Conversion to Grant Program

SB 247 converts Maryland's Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit into a direct grant program administered by the Department of Commerce. It replaces tax credits with cash grants for qualifying biotechnology companies engaged in research, development, or commercialization of biological technologies. The bill requires the Department to disburse grants within a specified timeframe and allows recipients to deduct these grants from their Maryland income tax for the same year. This change shifts the incentive from tax savings to immediate funding, directly affecting eligible biotech firms in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesConverts tax credit to direct grants, increasing state spending on biotech incentives instead of reducing tax revenue, advancing fiscal support for the sector.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyConverts tax credits to direct grants for biotech R&D, funding innovation in biological technologies per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 1167: Department of Information Technology - Workgroup on the Medicaid Management Information System Mainframe System Replacement

HB 1167 requires Maryland's Department of Health to replace its outdated Medicaid computer system with a modern, flexible system by 2028. The new system must maintain all current Medicaid functions - including processing medical/dental/pharmacy claims, provider enrollment, and beneficiary inquiries - while meeting federal security and performance standards. The bill mandates integration with existing Medicaid systems by January 2027 and full replacement of the old system by January 2028, subject to federal approval. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and healthcare providers through more reliable service delivery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpgrades Medicaid IT system to maintain coverage, ensure claim processing, and meet federal standards - directly supports healthcare service delivery and access.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires modern system meeting federal security standards, enhancing cybersecurity for Medicaid operations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 145: Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and Deepfakes

HB 145 requires Maryland's State Administrator of Elections to act on credible reports of election misinformation (false information about voting) or disinformation (knowingly misleading information) by providing corrective information, requesting removal from online platforms, and seeking records via subpoena. It prohibits knowingly using AI-generated deepfakes (manipulated videos/audio) to mislead voters about voting rights, election results, or registration, with violations punishable as misdemeanors carrying up to $5,000 fines or 5 years in jail. The law exempts satire, news coverage (like interviews or documentaries), and media outlets that clearly label deceptive content. It directly affects voters seeking accurate election information, election officials managing reports, and content creators distributing election-related material. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits AI deepfakes in elections, restricting harmful tech use to prevent voter misinformation and protect electoral integrity.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 9, 2026

HB 195: State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission - Authority to Conduct Studies on the Use of Emerging Technology and the Workgroup on Gambling Prevention Technology

HB 195 requires Maryland's State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to study emerging technologies to improve safety and transparency in gambling. Specifically, it mandates the Commission analyze security tools (like encryption and blockchain), monitor customer behavior for responsible gaming, and verify age/identity to prevent fraud. The bill also obligates the Commission to collaborate with Maryland colleges, foundations, or private entities for these studies and requires the Commission Director to participate in them. This law updates reporting requirements for the Commission to detail lottery revenues, expenses, and any needed legal changes. It directly affects the Commission's operations and the state's gambling regulatory framework, without altering existing gambling laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates study of encryption/blockchain for security, fraud prevention, and identity verification - directly enhances cybersecurity and data privacy measures.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

HB 295: Gaming - Prohibition on Interactive Games and Revenue From Illegal Markets

HB 295 prohibits operating, conducting, or promoting "interactive games" (internet/mobile games simulating casino games, lotteries, or sports betting) in Maryland. It requires license applicants and holders to annually report business relationships with entities supporting such games and disclose any revenue from jurisdictions where interactive gaming is illegal. The bill bars the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission from issuing licenses to entities accepting revenue from high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., terrorism sponsors or Financial Action Task Force "call for action" areas). This directly affects gaming license applicants, current licensees, and businesses operating in or connected to illegal gaming markets. The law aims to prevent Maryland-based operations from engaging with unregulated or prohibited gaming activities.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits internet/mobile games simulating gambling, restricting a specific technology application under gaming regulations, not advancing tech policy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026

HB 172: Municipalities - Enforcement Officers - Body-Worn Cameras

HB 172 allows Maryland municipalities to authorize code, parking, and traffic enforcement officers to use body-worn cameras during their duties. It expands the legal definition of "law enforcement officer" to include these municipal officers for camera use, requiring cities to adopt policies that align with state standards for body-worn camera use. The bill mandates that municipalities publishing such policies must follow guidelines similar to those for police body cameras, including notifying individuals when recording is occurring. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not require municipalities to implement the policy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands body-worn camera use for municipal enforcement officers to enhance accountability, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of transparency and oversight in law enforcement.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates policies for body camera use with state standards, requiring data handling protocols that protect privacy, aligning with data privacy protections under the topic.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track