SB 571 requires large broadband providers (serving 10,000+ customers) in Maryland to establish a low-cost broadband program for eligible low-income residents by December 1, 2026. The program must offer at least 100 Mbps download speed (200 Mbps for households of three or more), 1.2 terabytes of data, and limit annual network outages to an average of 48 hours. Eligibility is defined by income (at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines) or participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or free school meals. Providers may adjust prices every three years by up to 2% or the Consumer Price Index change, with 30 days' notice to customers.
SB 605, the Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act, gives Maryland's Public Service Commission new authority to oversee broadband and VoIP services. It requires internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data on network reliability, outages, emergency plans, and pricing, and mandates the Commission to assess if these plans meet standards for resilience and safety. The Commission can conduct audits or require ISPs to fix issues if services are deemed unsafe or unreliable, and must report annually to the legislature on progress. This directly affects ISPs operating in Maryland and aims to improve the quality and reliability of broadband and VoIP services for consumers.
HB 1429 requires car and farm equipment manufacturers to provide independent repair shops and vehicle owners with the tools, information, and data needed for diagnosis, service, and repair. Specifically, it mandates that manufacturers install open data platforms in vehicles with wireless diagnostic systems to allow third parties access to repair data, and prohibits farm equipment makers from withholding or misrepresenting part numbers. The bill also requires manufacturers to give consumers a document explaining their rights to access vehicle data at the time of purchase. These provisions aim to make repairs more accessible by reducing manufacturer control over repair information.
HB 1037 (Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act) gives Maryland's Public Service Commission authority to oversee broadband and internet-based phone service (VoIP), which it previously could not regulate. The bill requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to report on network reliability, outages, pricing, and emergency preparedness plans, and to maintain infrastructure meeting safety and reliability standards. The Commission can audit providers and order corrective actions if services are deemed unsafe, unreliable, or inadequate. ISPs must submit annual reports on progress, with the Commission reporting to the legislature each year starting in 2028 on improvements in service quality and network resilience.
HB 1562 requires Maryland telecommunications providers (like phone and internet companies) to automatically apply a service disruption credit to affected customers' accounts during outages lasting at least 3 consecutive hours that impact primary service locations. The credit must be at least one day's worth of the customer's recurring monthly service charge, applied without customer action within two billing cycles after service restoration. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland law, subject to enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act. This bill directly affects retail customers and telecom providers operating in Maryland.
HB 382 (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act) requires broadband providers serving 10,000+ Maryland customers to establish low-cost internet programs by December 1, 2026. These programs must offer minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps (for households of two or fewer) or 200/20 Mbps (for larger households), at least 1.2 terabytes of data, and low latency for eligible low-income consumers. Eligibility includes households meeting federal poverty guidelines (350% of federal poverty level), qualifying for SNAP/food assistance, Medicaid, or low-income energy programs. Providers may raise prices by no more than 2% annually with 30 days’ notice, and cannot require automatic payment plans for program enrollment.
