Technology

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 Mar 18, 2026

HB 1592: Education - Regional Resource Centers and County Libraries - Funding

HB 1592 updates funding for Maryland's regional resource centers and county public libraries by revising the per-resident funding formula for fiscal years 2022-2032. It increases annual funding rates from $8.75 per resident in 2022 to $11.58 by 2032, replacing previous fixed rates. The bill also simplifies library service requirements, mandating that each public library offer at least one program focused on early childhood literacy, digital equity, information literacy, or mental health support - replacing older, more specific program mandates. These changes directly affect all 23 Maryland county public library systems and their regional resource centers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases annual library funding via revised per-resident formula (2022-2032), advancing public service fiscal support92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases per-resident library funding from $8.75 to $11.58 (2022-2032) and mandates educational programs in literacy/digital equity, directly advancing funding and access.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates digital equity programs in libraries and increases funding for technology-access services per bill's requirement for digital equity programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries School Funding

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

HB 1220: Business Regulation - Data Broker Registry

HB 1220 establishes a mandatory annual registry for data brokers operating in Maryland. It requires businesses that collect, sell, or license "brokered personal data" (such as names, addresses, biometric information, or Social Security numbers) to register with the Comptroller each year. The bill excludes credit reporting agencies, financial institutions under federal law, and certain nonprofit organizations assisting law enforcement or emergency responders. This registry aims to increase transparency about how personal data is collected and shared by businesses that sell it.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates data broker registration to increase transparency and protect personal data privacy, a core technology policy area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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died · Maryland · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 591: National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals With Disabilities - Maryland Chapter - Establishment

SB 591 establishes the Maryland Chapter of the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities within the Department of State Police. It creates a secure, voluntary online system allowing individuals with disabilities to share personal information (like contact details, physical descriptions, and disability-related needs) with law enforcement for emergency response. The bill requires the Department of State Police and Department of Disabilities to develop mandatory training and guidelines for law enforcement agencies, and it creates a commission to study protocols and public engagement strategies. This directly affects individuals with disabilities who choose to participate and all local law enforcement agencies required to implement the new protocols.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates disability-specific emergency response system for law enforcement, requiring mandatory training to improve interactions and safety during crises, aligning with police accountability and civil rights protections.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a secure online system for disability-related emergency data sharing, prioritizing data privacy and security measures per its 'secure, voluntary' system description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Data Privacy

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 867: Economic Development - Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission - Alterations

SB 867 expands the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission's mission to specifically promote innovation in space science, space technology, and aeronautics. It restructures the Commission's membership by adding representatives from the commercial space industry (up to three) and higher education institutions, while requiring the Commission to appoint an Executive Director. The bill authorizes the Commission to provide grants to eligible entities - including aerospace businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and universities conducting aerospace research in Maryland. These changes aim to strengthen Maryland's aerospace sector by formalizing grant programs and broadening stakeholder representation on the Commission.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands tech commission to promote space tech innovation and funds aerospace businesses via grants, directly advancing technology sector development.95% confidence

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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

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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 · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 853: Economic Development Activity - Nondisclosure Agreements

SB 853 prohibits secrecy contracts (nondisclosure agreements) between individuals and entities involved in economic development activities, specifically including data center operators. It directly affects employees, contractors, and consultants working with such entities by banning these agreements under Maryland law. The bill amends the Economic Development Article to establish Section 1.5-101(B), which explicitly states that no individual may enter into a nondisclosure agreement with a person involved in economic development or data center operations. This change aims to increase transparency for public records related to these activities under the Public Information Act.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBans NDAs for workers, protecting their right to discuss workplace issues without secrecy constraints, directly advancing workers' rights.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBans NDAs for data center employees, enabling transparency on data practices and supporting privacy protections in tech infrastructure.85% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 727: Municipal Elections - Qualified Electronic Transmission Systems - Authorization for Use

SB 727 authorizes Maryland municipalities to use secure electronic voting systems for local elections, directly affecting cities and towns conducting municipal elections. The bill defines a "qualified electronic transmission system" as one with strict security features like end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, paper ballot backups, and biometric ID verification to protect voter data and election integrity. It prohibits municipalities from using any voter information collected through these systems for purposes beyond election administration or tracking voter participation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all municipal elections in Maryland.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates strict security features (encryption, paper backups) for electronic voting systems, directly protecting voter data privacy and enhancing cybersecurity in election technology use.95% confidence

Tags Elections

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