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 12, 2026

SB 827: Consumer Protection and Product Liability - Chatbots

SB 827 regulates chatbot design, operation, and safety in Maryland, directly affecting chatbot developers, operators (like companies offering AI assistants), and all users - including minors. Key provisions require clear warnings before use, enhanced privacy protections for minors, strict rules for handling user data (including de-identifying personal information), and treating chatbots as "products" for liability claims. Violations are enforced as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, with additional penalties. The bill also mandates the Behavioral Health Administration to create educational materials about behavioral health services.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates privacy protections for minors, strict data handling, and treats chatbots as products for liability - aligns with consumer data privacy regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 504: Data Privacy - Consumer Data, Public Records, and Message Switching System (Data Privacy Act)

SB 504 prohibits businesses from selling consumer personal data to buyers who intend to use it for immigration enforcement. It defines "sensitive data" to include immigration status, racial origin, health information, and sexual orientation, requiring businesses to handle such data more carefully. The bill also mandates public record custodians to prevent unauthorized disclosure - especially for immigration enforcement - and requires message switching systems to implement access controls. These changes aim to strengthen privacy protections for Maryland residents while modifying existing data privacy laws in the state code.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly classifies health information as 'sensitive data' requiring careful handling, protecting patient privacy through data safeguards without restricting healthcare access or funding.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits selling immigration status data to enforcement agencies, limiting federal cooperation and protecting immigrant privacy per bill's data handling requirements.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits selling sensitive consumer data for immigration enforcement, defines sensitive data categories, mandates stricter handling and access controls - directly strengthens data privacy protections in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

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

HB 1261: Consumer Protection - Artificial Intelligence Toys (Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act)

HB 1261, the Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act, requires manufacturers of AI toys marketed to children in Maryland to include specific safety features and data privacy protections. It mandates parental consent mechanisms, age-appropriate content filters to block harmful or inappropriate material (like violence or emotional manipulation), automatic "safe mode" that disables the toy during risky interactions, and prohibitions on using child data for marketing. The law directly affects toy manufacturers selling AI toys in Maryland, requiring them to conduct safety assessments and update software for vulnerabilities. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act, with enforcement handled by a new Review Panel under the Attorney General's office.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data privacy protections, parental consent, and content filters for AI toys, regulating tech companies to protect children's data - clear consumer protection stance95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 659: Prekindergarten Programs and Primary and Secondary Schools - Student Privacy Policy Requirements and Discrimination Reporting

SB 659 requires all public and nonpublic primary and secondary schools to adopt written policies protecting student record privacy, including parent access rights and restrictions on sharing personal information without consent. Nonpublic prekindergarten and K-12 schools must annually report the number of alleged discrimination incidents based on protected categories like race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. The reports must include incidents against students and be submitted starting September 1, 2027. Policies must comply with existing federal and state privacy laws and cannot override those protections. This bill directly affects nonpublic schools through new reporting requirements while expanding privacy safeguards for all schools.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires schools to adopt student data privacy policies and restrict sharing without consent, directly protecting student information under technology privacy frameworks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Tags Privacy

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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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died · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 9, 2026

HB 1317: State Government - Data-Sharing Agreements and Personal Identifying Information - Prohibition and Reporting (Maryland Data Privacy and Federal Shield Act)

HB 1317 requires Maryland state and local governments to annually report to the Attorney General on all data-sharing agreements with the federal government, starting January 1, 2027. The report must identify all agreements, check if they comply with privacy laws, and suggest fixes for non-compliant ones. The bill also prohibits state/local agencies from sharing specific personal information (including immigration status, religious beliefs, and biometric data) with federal entities unless required by law or court order. Additionally, it bans state/local governments from helping create or maintain federal registries based on race, national origin, or religious affiliation. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits sharing immigration status with federal entities, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protecting immigrant privacy.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits sharing sensitive personal data (biometrics, immigration status) without compliance checks, strengthening privacy protections per bill's core requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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died · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 19, 2026

HB 995: Health Occupations - Behavioral Health Care Providers - Use of Artificial Intelligence

HB 995 prohibits behavioral health care providers (like therapists and counselors) in Maryland from using artificial intelligence for direct patient care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or therapeutic communication. The bill allows AI for administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments or managing records, but requires providers to: comply with confidentiality laws, sign vendor agreements preventing data misuse, and obtain written patient consent about AI risks. Providers must also independently verify AI-generated clinical data before use. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all licensed behavioral health providers in Maryland.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits AI in direct patient care for behavioral health providers to protect patient rights and confidentiality, aligning with healthcare protection indicators.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits AI use in direct patient care (diagnosis/treatment), requiring consent/data safeguards. Restricts technology application in healthcare, aligning with 'oppose' criteria.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 528: Consumer Protection - Video Streaming Services - Loudness of Commercial Advertisements

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates streaming services for consumer protection, aligning with tech sector regulations to address user experience concerns.90% confidence

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