SB 605 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Public Service Commission - Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol Service - Study

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.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Apr 8, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Public Service Commission - Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol Service - Oversight (Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act) → Third - Public Service Commission - Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol Service - Study · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly downgraded from an active oversight and enforcement law to a study and research project. Instead of immediately requiring the Public Service Commission to regulate broadband and VoIP providers, set standards, and handle complaints, the new version instructs the Commission to simply study the potential for such regulation and report findings by December 31, 2026.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from immediate regulatory authority to a preliminary study phase. The Commission no longer has the power to enforce rules or require remedial actions; its role is now limited to analyzing federal preemption, regulatory frameworks, and costs before any action is taken.

SCOPE

The bill's purpose changed from authorizing immediate oversight and enforcement to conducting a study on the potential scope and structure of future oversight.

REQUIREMENT

Specific mandates for the Commission to establish standards, assess provider plans, conduct audits, and require remedial actions were removed.

A new requirement was added for the Commission to report its study findings and recommendations to specific legislative committees by the new deadline.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the Commission to report to the General Assembly was moved from January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2026.

DEFINITION

The definitions section was reorganized and slightly updated, but the core meanings of 'broadband service' and 'VoIP service' remained largely consistent.

ENFORCEMENT

The Commission lost all enforcement powers, including the ability to hold hearings, audit facilities, or order providers to take remedial actions.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion Special Order until 4/10 (Senator Ready) Adopted

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

First Reading Finance

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors