Technology

HB 487 amends Maryland law to give the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) more flexibility regarding investments in businesses that no longer qualify under program rules. Specifically, it changes the requirement that MTDC must divest such investments to an authorization allowing it to choose whether to divest or pursue other remedies (like repayment) when a business no longer meets "qualified business" criteria. The bill also updates procedures for the MTDC's investment committee to consider these remedies. This directly affects MTDC and businesses that previously received MTDC equity investments but no longer qualify under the program.

HB 593 amends Maryland's criminal law to specifically prohibit unauthorized actions intended to disrupt critical infrastructure or public safety answering points. It makes it a crime to intentionally access, copy data from, or possess access codes for systems like power grids, emergency call centers, or transportation networks with the intent to impair their function. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" as systems vital to public security, health, safety, or utilities, and explicitly includes ransomware attacks as a prohibited act. This law directly affects individuals who interfere with these essential systems, imposing criminal penalties for intentional disruption.