Technology

passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 564: State Government - Office of the Attorney General - Data Protection

SB 564 creates a new Division of Data Protection within Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General. This division will investigate and enforce civil actions for violations of existing data privacy laws affecting businesses and consumers. It also establishes a Maryland Data Privacy Implementation and Innovation Workgroup, composed of state officials, consumer advocates, business representatives, and industry experts, to study implementation challenges and recommend improvements. The Workgroup must report its findings to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2027, and the bill’s provisions take effect on July 1, 2026, with the Workgroup structure expiring June 30, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates Division of Data Protection and Workgroup to enforce data privacy laws, strengthening consumer protections and cybersecurity compliance per topic indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 8, 2026

HB 1037: Public Service Commission - Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol Service - Study

HB 1037 (Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act) gives Maryland's Public Service Commission authority to oversee broadband and internet-based phone service (VoIP), which it previously could not regulate. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to report on network reliability, outages, pricing, and emergency preparedness plans, and to maintain infrastructure meeting safety and reliability standards. The Commission can audit providers and order corrective actions if services are deemed unsafe, unreliable, or inadequate. ISPs must submit annual reports on progress, with the Commission reporting to the legislature each year starting in 2028 on improvements in service quality and network resilience.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires ISPs to report on reliability, pricing, and infrastructure, enhancing consumer transparency and service standards for broadband access.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 629: Information Technology - State and Higher Education E-Mail - Requirements

SB 629 requires all Maryland state government units and public higher education institutions (excluding Morgan State University, the University System of Maryland, St. Mary’s College, and Baltimore City Community College) to implement email security policies. It mandates automatic filtering of spam emails (defined as unsolicited, non-state-business emails like phishing or bulk solicitations unrelated to official duties) and prohibits using state email systems as public forums. The bill also permits minimal personal email use that has no significant impact on resources and aligns with professional business standards. These requirements must be included in institutional IT policies, plans, and standards, effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates email security policies including spam/phishing filtering, directly enhancing cybersecurity measures for state systems.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 661: Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Intercepted Communications - Admissibility of Evidence

SB 661 modifies Maryland law to clarify when intercepted communications (like phone calls or texts) can be used as evidence in criminal court. It allows such evidence if: (1) at least one party was outside Maryland during the communication, (2) the interception wasn’t done by Maryland law enforcement, and (3) all parties were co-conspirators in a violent crime. For other cases, it sets strict conditions for admissibility, including requiring prosecutors to notify defendants 14 days in advance and proving the evidence is more relevant than alternatives. The bill directly affects criminal defendants, prosecutors, and law enforcement handling wiretap evidence in Maryland courts. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires 14-day notice for intercepted evidence, protecting defendant rights in criminal proceedings per bill's admissibility conditions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill restricts admissibility of intercepted communications without strict conditions, strengthening data privacy protections by limiting surveillance evidence use without proper notice.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 632: State Government - State Elected Officials - Protection of Personal Information

SB 632 creates a new Office of State Elected Officials Information Privacy within Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services. It allows state elected officials (the "protected individuals") to request that their personal details - such as addresses, phone numbers, and email - be removed from public online sources like government websites, social media, or social networks. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for intentionally posting an official’s personal information online under certain circumstances. This replaces the existing Address Confidentiality Program for domestic violence survivors with a dedicated system specifically for protecting state elected officials’ privacy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates Office to protect officials' personal data from public exposure, establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure - directly strengthens data privacy protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 310: Criminal Records - Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Traffic Violation by a Minor

SB 310 prohibits the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system from referencing records of traffic violations committed by minors (under 18) under the Maryland Vehicle Law or other traffic laws. It directly affects minors who receive traffic citations, ensuring these records are not displayed in public online searches. The bill amends Maryland's Criminal Procedure law to require the case search system to omit all references to such minor traffic violations. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not alter the existence of the underlying records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves minor traffic violations from public searches to prevent long-term barriers for youth, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism and protecting minors' opportunities.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill removes minors' traffic violation data from public online case searches, directly enhancing data privacy protections within digital systems.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 351: Private Passenger Motor Vehicle Insurance - Use of Programs That Measure the Operation of an Insured Vehicle

SB 351 requires Maryland auto insurers to disclose when they use programs that track driving behavior (like speed or braking) and establish clear processes for policyholders to correct errors in that data. It limits the types and amount of driving data insurers can collect, bans using such data to cancel policies or refuse renewals, and prohibits insurers from raising premiums in increments of less than six months after a policy starts. The law also mandates insurers to adopt governance plans to prevent unfair discrimination in how driving data affects rates. These changes apply to all private passenger vehicle insurance policies in Maryland, taking effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates insurer data collection for driving behavior, requiring disclosure, error correction, and limiting use - directly protects consumer data privacy per topic description.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

HB 1456: Consumer Protection - Residential Property Advertisement - Ownership Verification

HB 1456 requires real estate websites, social media platforms, and other commercial entities to verify that the person advertising a residential property for sale or lease is either the legal owner or their authorized agent before publishing the listing. Commercial entities must maintain this verification for at least three years and immediately remove any listing published without proper verification. Violations would be treated as unfair, deceptive, or abusive trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to enforcement and penalties. This bill directly affects online property listing services and real estate platforms that publish residential property advertisements. It aims to prevent fraudulent listings by mandating ownership verification as a standard practice.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires tech platforms to verify property owners, preventing deceptive listings under consumer protection laws, aligning with regulating tech for user safety.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

HB 883: Consumer Protection - Artificial Intelligence - Behavioral Health Care Prohibitions

HB 883 prohibits AI developers from making or causing AI to make claims that the AI is a behavioral health provider or can deliver behavioral health care services. It requires AI sold to Maryland consumers to include clear notices stating users are interacting with AI (not a human) and to detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm, automatically referring users to crisis services. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1 million per offense, with funds directed to Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workgroup Investment Fund. The law directly affects AI developers and sellers operating in Maryland, focusing on preventing misleading AI interactions in mental health contexts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits AI from impersonating behavioral health providers, mandates crisis referrals for suicidal thoughts, and directs penalties to behavioral health programs, strengthening mental health protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI developers to prevent deceptive claims and mandate safety features, protecting consumers from misuse of AI in behavioral health services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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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 Yes ✗ Opposes Technology

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