SB 825 creates a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within Maryland’s Coordination and Analysis Center to strengthen state-level security for essential systems. The branch will identify threats, prioritize critical infrastructure (like utilities, hospitals, and transportation), and coordinate responses with state agencies and private owners. It requires the Department of Emergency Management to act during infrastructure attacks and mandates the Department of Information Technology to let critical infrastructure owners join the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center while meeting specific cybersecurity reporting standards. This bill directly affects infrastructure operators (e.g., power companies, hospitals) and state agencies responsible for emergency response and cybersecurity.
HB 1250 regulates how chatbots are designed, operated, and made available to users in Maryland. It requires developers and operators to obtain clear user permission before collecting data, display specific safety warnings (especially for minors), and follow strict privacy rules for handling personal information. The bill also treats chatbots as "products" for liability purposes, meaning users can pursue legal claims if chatbots cause harm, and mandates that state agencies develop educational materials about behavioral health services. These rules apply to all chatbots used in Maryland, including those operated by government entities.
HB 1295 establishes new rules for fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4/5 systems) operating on Maryland highways without human drivers. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" (like safely stopping) if their automated system fails, and mandates compliance with Maryland's vehicle laws unless exempted by regulations. The bill also explicitly states that data collected by these vehicles (e.g., location, sensor data) falls under the state's Online Data Privacy Act, requiring protection similar to other personal information. This directly affects manufacturers, operators, and passengers of fully autonomous vehicles operating in Maryland.
SB 247 converts Maryland's Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit into a direct grant program administered by the Department of Commerce. It replaces tax credits with cash grants for qualifying biotechnology companies engaged in research, development, or commercialization of biological technologies. The bill requires the Department to disburse grants within a specified timeframe and allows recipients to deduct these grants from their Maryland income tax for the same year. This change shifts the incentive from tax savings to immediate funding, directly affecting eligible biotech firms in Maryland.
HB 400 converts Maryland's Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit into a direct grant program administered by the Department of Commerce. It affects biotechnology companies (defined as firms primarily researching, developing, or commercializing biological technologies) by replacing tax credits with cash grants paid within a specified timeframe. The bill also allows recipients to subtract grant amounts from their Maryland income tax liability for the year received. This changes the program's structure from a tax benefit to a grant disbursement, moving it from the Tax Article to the Economic Development Article in Maryland law.
HB 172 allows Maryland municipalities to authorize code, parking, and traffic enforcement officers to use body-worn cameras during their duties. It expands the legal definition of "law enforcement officer" to include these municipal officers for camera use, requiring cities to adopt policies that align with state standards for body-worn camera use. The bill mandates that municipalities publishing such policies must follow guidelines similar to those for police body cameras, including notifying individuals when recording is occurring. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not require municipalities to implement the policy.
HB 418 requires all courts in Prince George’s County to provide remote audio-visual access for the public to attend bail review hearings, effective October 1, 2026. This applies unless a hearing is legally closed, confidential, or restricted by federal/state law. Judges may temporarily block specific parts of a hearing upon request from a party, witness, or attorney, but only if no overriding public interest requires disclosure. The bill directly affects Prince George’s County courts, defendants, attorneys, and the public seeking to observe bail proceedings.
HB 723 requires Maryland electric companies to submit cost containment plans to the Public Service Commission by January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter. These plans must detail strategies to reduce peak electricity demand through specific mechanisms, including "nonwires solutions" (like distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies), demand flexibility programs, and grid flexibility-enabled building electrification. The bill mandates that plans avoid or minimize capital spending on infrastructure while improving system reliability and efficiency. This directly affects all electric distribution and transmission companies operating in Maryland.
HB 133 reduces Maryland's individual and corporate income tax rates, with key changes to capital gains taxation. It exempts the first $10,000 of net capital gains from tax for residents aged 65 or older and removes income tax on capital gains from primary home sales (under $1.5 million), retirement accounts, and certain agricultural or conservation land. The bill also repeals the sales tax on data, information technology services, and software publishing. These changes directly affect Maryland residents and businesses subject to state income and sales tax.
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.
