Technology (Consumer Data Protection)

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

HB 1471: Consumer Protection - Identity Theft Debt

HB 1471 creates a new process for Maryland consumers who believe debt was incurred due to identity theft. It requires creditors to pause all collection efforts for 30 days after receiving a certified written notice with supporting evidence (like police reports). If the creditor confirms the debt is identity theft, they must permanently stop collection, dismiss related lawsuits, and remove the debt from credit reports. Consumers can also file a civil lawsuit in court with a jury trial option if the creditor fails to comply.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects data privacy by requiring removal of identity theft-related debt from credit reports, preventing fraudulent data from affecting consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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

HB 1089: Consumer Protection - Data Broker Registry - Establishment

HB 1089 requires data brokers operating in Maryland or collecting data on Maryland residents to register annually with the Attorney General’s Office starting January 31, 2028. Data brokers must submit details about the personal data they collect, sources, third parties they share with, consumer contact information, and opt-out methods. The Attorney General will maintain a public, searchable database of registered brokers (excluding trade secrets) and set tiered fees based on the broker’s annual revenue. The law aims to increase transparency for consumers about data practices without restricting lawful data collection, with enforcement including civil penalties for non-compliance. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and requires the Attorney General to report compliance metrics and consumer complaints to the legislature by December 2029.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires data brokers to register, disclose data practices, and provide opt-out methods, strengthening consumer data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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

HB 1399: Consumer Protection - Consumer Reporting Agencies - Use of Algorithmic Systems

HB 1399 requires credit bureaus and other consumer reporting agencies in Maryland to meet strict standards when using algorithms to evaluate credit data. It mandates that agencies explain algorithmic decisions in plain language (meeting an 8.0 Flesch-Kincaid readability score), maintain public algorithm registries, and achieve error rates below 0.5% and discriminatory bias below 0.1% when compared to human reviews. Agencies must also conduct quarterly bias audits by independent third parties, implement data governance with minimum data point requirements (1,000-10,000 per category), and require human review within 24 hours before final credit decisions. This bill directly affects agencies that compile credit reports for lenders, insurers, or employers, aiming to ensure transparency and fairness in automated credit evaluations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates algorithmic use in credit reporting for transparency, bias reduction, and consumer protection, aligning with data privacy and fair tech practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 695: Consumer Protection - Driver's License and ID Card Swiping - Regulation

SB 695 regulates how businesses and government entities can use driver's license or ID card swiping. It prohibits swiping except for specific purposes like verifying identity during purchases, checking age for restricted goods, preventing fraud, or processing payments. Businesses may not store, sell, or share personal details (like license numbers) collected through swiping, except for limited data (name, address, date of birth, ID number) when used for fraud prevention or payment processing. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, with enforcement by the Attorney General. The bill applies to retailers, financial institutions, and government agencies handling such data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates ID swiping to prevent unauthorized data collection/sharing, enhancing consumer data privacy protections per bill's prohibitions on storing/selling personal details.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 889: Consumer Protection and Labor and Employment - Electronic Shelving Labels and Surveillance-Based Price and Wage Setting - Prohibitions

SB 889 prohibits businesses from using consumer data (like browsing habits) to set dynamic prices for goods or services, and bans food retailers with over 15,000 square feet from using electronic shelf labels for pricing. Instead, these retailers must display prices using physical methods like stickers, tags, or signs. The bill also bans employers from using employee data to set wages and makes violations of these rules enforceable under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. It directly affects large food retailers, businesses using data-driven pricing, and workers whose wages might be influenced by surveillance-based systems.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly bans employers from using employee data to set wages, protecting workers from potential unfair wage practices.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits using consumer data for dynamic pricing, strengthening data privacy protections under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 148: Consumer Protection and Labor and Employment - Surveillance-Based Price and Wage Setting - Prohibition

HB 148 prohibits businesses from using surveillance data (like personal behavior or biometric information) with automated systems to set customized prices for individual consumers or groups. It also bans employers from using such data to set customized wages for employees. The bill allows price/wage customization based on actual costs or standard, publicly available discounts (e.g., student or senior rates) that are openly disclosed. Violations would be enforced under Maryland’s existing consumer protection laws, with remedies including fines or injunctions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBans employers from using surveillance data to set customized wages, protecting workers from discriminatory pay practices while allowing standard discounts. Directly advances worker rights in wage setting.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits surveillance data use for personalized pricing/wages, strengthening data privacy protections per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 264: Maryland Data Privacy and Protection Act of 2026

HB 264, the Maryland Data Privacy and Protection Act of 2026, sets new rules for how Maryland state government agencies collect, store, and handle personal information. It requires agencies to only collect personal data that is necessary for a legitimate government purpose, delete or remove identifying details when no longer needed, and post clear privacy notices on their websites. The bill specifically defines "sensitive data" (like racial origin, health information, biometric data, and location tracking) and mandates that agencies designate a Privacy Officer to oversee compliance. This law directly affects all Maryland state government units, including departments and agencies, by requiring them to update their data practices to protect residents' privacy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates strict data handling rules for government agencies, protecting sensitive personal information like health and biometrics through defined privacy requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 31, 2026

HB 711: Data Privacy - Consumer Data, Public Records, and Message Switching System (Data Privacy Act)

HB 711, the Data Privacy Act, prohibits businesses from selling consumer data they know or should know will be used for immigration enforcement. It requires public record custodians to prevent unauthorized access to records, especially for immigration purposes, and mandates reasonable rules to block such access. The bill also defines "sensitive data" to include immigration status, health information, racial background, and biometric data, requiring entities to handle this data carefully. Additionally, it sets new rules for message switching systems (like messaging apps) to prevent misuse of user data. These changes directly affect businesses handling consumer data, government record keepers, and digital service providers in Maryland.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits data sales for immigration enforcement and defines immigration status as sensitive data, limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement efforts.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits selling consumer data for immigration enforcement, mandates protection of sensitive data including biometrics and health info, strengthening privacy safeguards per Data Privacy Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy