Technology (Emerging Technology)

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 810: Study to Evaluate Blockchain-Based Real Property Lease and Title Recordation and Verification

HB 810 establishes a two-year pilot program within Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation to explore using blockchain technology for real property ownership records. The program, limited to up to three counties, will create a blockchain registry allowing property owners to opt in and receive digital titles that law enforcement and courts can verify in real time to resolve disputes like squatting. It requires the Department to coordinate with courts, police, and the Attorney General to develop secure systems, test smart contracts for title transfers, and educate users. The pilot must begin by January 1, 2027, and conclude with a final report by December 31, 2028, before the program automatically expires on July 1, 2029.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes blockchain pilot program for property records, directly advancing technology application in government services through secure digital verification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 616: Business Regulation - Data Broker Registry

SB 616 creates a Maryland registry requiring businesses that collect and sell personal data (like names, addresses, biometric information, or Social Security numbers) to register annually with the state Comptroller. It defines "data brokers" as entities selling "brokered personal data" but excludes credit bureaus, banks under federal law, and nonprofits assisting law enforcement. The law mandates registration for qualifying businesses to operate, focusing on transparency around how personal data is collected and sold. It specifically covers sensitive data types (e.g., facial recognition, DNA sequences) while clarifying exclusions to avoid overlapping with federal regulations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data broker registration for transparency, strengthening consumer data privacy protections by requiring disclosure of personal data handling practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 826: Income Tax – Angel Investor Tax Credit for Investments in Emergent Technology

SB 826 creates a tax credit for Maryland investors who fund qualified early-stage companies developing emergent technology like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or cybersecurity. Investors must contribute at least $25,000 in cash to a Maryland company meeting specific criteria, with the credit covering a percentage of that investment. The state establishes an Angel Investor Tax Credit Reserve Fund to manage the program, requiring investors to make qualifying investments within a set timeframe after certification. This credit directly affects individual investors and Maryland-based tech startups in designated fields, aiming to boost local investment in emerging technology sectors.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for wealthy angel investors, aligning with 'tax breaks primarily for wealthy' indicator per topic guidelines.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyTax credit directly funds investments in AI, quantum, and cybersecurity startups, promoting emergent technology development through financial incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 759: Financial Institutions - Digital Assets and Digital Asset Staking - Regulation (Maryland Financial Innovation Act of 2026)

SB 759 prohibits Maryland state agencies and local governments from restricting certain digital asset activities, including accepting digital assets as payment, using self-hosted or hardware wallets, operating blockchain nodes, or participating in digital asset staking. It clarifies that "staking as a service" (where providers operate nodes for users) is exempt from Maryland's securities registration requirements under the Maryland Securities Act. The bill does not affect existing regulations for money transmission or consumer protection enforcement. This law directly impacts digital asset users, service providers, and financial institutions operating within Maryland.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits restrictions on digital asset activities and exempts staking services from securities registration, fostering innovation in digital assets and blockchain technology.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 18, 2026

HB 859: Financial Institutions - Digital Assets and Digital Asset Staking - Regulation (Maryland Financial Innovation Act of 2026)

HB 859, the Maryland Financial Innovation Act of 2026, prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting certain digital asset activities, such as accepting cryptocurrency for payments, using self-hosted wallets, operating blockchain nodes, or participating in staking. It specifically clarifies that "staking as a service" (where a provider manages staking infrastructure for users) does not constitute a security under Maryland law, exempting it from securities registration requirements. The bill preserves existing authority for the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (under the Maryland Money Transmission Act) and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to enforce relevant laws. This directly affects financial institutions, crypto service providers, and consumers engaging with digital assets in Maryland, aiming to create a clearer regulatory framework for innovation.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits restrictions on digital asset activities and exempts staking from securities registration, enabling blockchain innovation and reducing regulatory barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 762: Law Enforcement – Use of Facial Recognition Technology – Images Captured by Camera Affixed to Dwelling Exterior

HB 762 permits Maryland law enforcement to use facial recognition technology on images captured by cameras mounted on the exterior of a dwelling (like a home) to investigate nine specific property crimes, including first- and second-degree burglary, arson, and trespassing. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and homeowners or tenants who have such exterior cameras. The bill modifies existing law to allow this exception only when the image was recorded by the dwelling’s owner or tenant, and restricts its use to the listed property crimes - excluding most other criminal investigations. The law does not change how facial recognition may be used for other types of evidence or in non-dwelling settings.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticePermits expanded police surveillance via facial recognition on home cameras for property crimes, increasing investigative powers without privacy safeguards or oversight.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill permits law enforcement use of facial recognition on home camera images for property crimes without privacy safeguards, enabling a privacy-invasive technology and weakening data privacy protections.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 1128: Income Tax – Angel Investor Tax Credit for Investments in Emergent Technology

HB 1128 creates a state income tax credit for individuals or entities investing in Maryland-based companies developing emergent technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or cybersecurity. To qualify, investors must contribute at least $25,000 before July 1, 2029, in exchange for equity (not debt), and the company must meet specific criteria for "emergent technology" development. The credit is funded through a dedicated Angel Investor Tax Credit Reserve Fund, which earns interest and is managed by the Department of Commerce. This policy directly affects early-stage tech investors and qualifying Maryland companies seeking capital to grow.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for wealthy investors, reducing state revenue; aligns with 'creates tax breaks primarily for wealthy' indicator under OPPOSE.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates tax credit for investing in AI, quantum, and cybersecurity startups, directly incentivizing funding for emergent technology development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 756: Law Enforcement - Use of Facial Recognition Technology - Images Captured in Dwelling Interior

HB 756 allows Maryland law enforcement to use facial recognition technology to investigate specific crimes when the image was captured inside a dwelling (a structure adapted for overnight accommodation). It permits this use only for investigating first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and certain burglary or trespass offenses (first/third/fourth-degree burglary, trespass on posted property, or wanton trespass on private property). The bill does not expand general use of facial recognition but creates a narrow exception for images obtained inside homes during these specific investigations. This change modifies existing law to permit the technology in these limited circumstances, while maintaining broader restrictions on its use for other crimes or contexts.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts facial recognition use to specific crimes/locations, limiting its application rather than expanding or protecting it.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 597: Higher Education - Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership

SB 597 establishes the Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership within the University System of Maryland to serve as a central hub for coordinating AI initiatives across the state. It creates an Artificial Intelligence Incubation Lab to help state agencies adopt AI responsibly, and redesignates the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program as the Emerging Technology Public Service Scholarship Program to include AI training. The bill also requires Morgan State University's Center for Equitable AI to support state agencies with AI research. These changes directly affect Maryland public university students (through expanded scholarship eligibility), state agencies (via lab support), and the University System of Maryland (as host for the Partnership and Lab).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates AI partnership and expands scholarship program for AI training in higher education, advancing educational opportunities in emerging fields.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes AI Partnership, Incubation Lab, and expands AI training via scholarship redesign - advancing state AI adoption and coordination95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 823: State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Blockchain-Based Real Property Title Pilot Program - Establishment

HB 823 establishes a two-year pilot program in Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation to test blockchain technology for recording real property ownership. The program allows property owners in up to three selected counties to opt into having their titles represented as secure digital records on a blockchain registry, which law enforcement and courts could use to verify ownership and resolve disputes involving squatting. Key provisions include creating a secure blockchain registry, developing real-time validation tools for authorities, testing smart contracts for title transfers, and requiring coordination with courts and police. The pilot begins January 1, 2027, with a final report due December 2028 assessing the system's potential for broader use. This affects participating property owners, local law enforcement, and courts in pilot jurisdictions, but does not change existing property laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes blockchain pilot for secure property records, advancing technology use in government systems and enhancing data security for ownership verification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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