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.
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.
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.
SB 528 prohibits video streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) from transmitting commercial advertisements louder than the accompanying video content to Maryland consumers. It directly affects internet-based streaming platforms, excluding traditional TV broadcasters and cable operators. The law requires services to comply with federal loudness standards set by the FCC under the Federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland's consumer protection law, with enforcement through existing penalty provisions.
SB 25 creates the "Buy Maryland Cybersecurity Tax Credit," allowing Maryland businesses to claim a 50% tax credit (up to $50,000 annually) for purchasing cybersecurity technology or services from Maryland-based cybersecurity companies meeting specific criteria. The credit is refundable (businesses can get cash if the credit exceeds taxes owed) and requires sellers to be Maryland-headquartered, small businesses (under $10 million revenue), and/or owned by minorities, women, veterans, or located in designated business zones. It limits total credits per seller to $1 million annually and ends all new credits after 2030. This directly affects Maryland businesses buying cybersecurity and qualifying Maryland cybersecurity firms.
SB 154 adds Article 12 to Maryland's Uniform Commercial Code to establish rules for property rights in certain digital assets, including controllable electronic records, accounts, and payment intangibles. It directly affects businesses and financial institutions handling digital transactions by defining how control and ownership transfer for these assets. The bill creates a new standard for "control" (requiring exclusive power to access benefits and transfer the asset) and ensures qualifying purchasers acquire rights free of competing claims. This changes how digital property rights are managed under Maryland law, replacing ambiguous state rules with a clear, standardized framework.
