SB 216 updates Maryland's unemployment insurance confidentiality rules to align with federal requirements. It clarifies that claim details (including benefit amounts, address, and work refusal history), wage information, and other personal data are protected as "confidential unemployment insurance information." The bill allows limited disclosure to child support enforcement agencies when permitted under federal law, while adding penalties for unauthorized leaks by current or former Maryland Department of Labor employees. These changes directly affect unemployment claimants, employers, and child support agencies by defining how personal financial data may be shared.
HB 487 amends Maryland law to give the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) more flexibility regarding investments in businesses that no longer qualify under program rules. Specifically, it changes the requirement that MTDC must divest such investments to an authorization allowing it to choose whether to divest or pursue other remedies (like repayment) when a business no longer meets "qualified business" criteria. The bill also updates procedures for the MTDC's investment committee to consider these remedies. This directly affects MTDC and businesses that previously received MTDC equity investments but no longer qualify under the program.
HB 184 prohibits using personal identifying information (like Social Security numbers or bank details) or artificial intelligence/deepfake representations to cause harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. It specifically bans maliciously sharing personal data online to harass someone or using AI-generated content that mimics real people to deceive others for fraud, health care access, or other benefits. Victims can file civil lawsuits against those who cause harm through these actions. The bill defines "deepfakes" as computer-generated images indistinguishable from real people (excluding cartoons or sculptures) and clarifies that harm includes emotional or economic damage. It updates Maryland’s criminal law to address identity fraud involving AI, without restricting legitimate uses of technology.
HB 27 creates a Maryland Long COVID Research Fund administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to provide grants and loans for Long COVID innovation. The program directly supports Maryland-based public and private entities conducting research, product development, and manufacturing related to Long COVID treatments, using the National Academy of Sciences' 2024 definition of Long COVID. Key mechanisms include establishing a nonlapsing fund (funded by state appropriations and interest earnings), requiring an independent scientific review committee to evaluate proposals, and mandating annual reports on funded projects and program effectiveness. The bill specifies that funds may only be used for research, development, and commercialization of Long COVID treatments, with strict oversight to ensure alignment with scientific and medical goals. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 195 requires Maryland's State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to study emerging technologies to improve safety and transparency in gambling. Specifically, it mandates the Commission analyze security tools (like encryption and blockchain), monitor customer behavior for responsible gaming, and verify age/identity to prevent fraud. The bill also obligates the Commission to collaborate with Maryland colleges, foundations, or private entities for these studies and requires the Commission Director to participate in them. This law updates reporting requirements for the Commission to detail lottery revenues, expenses, and any needed legal changes. It directly affects the Commission's operations and the state's gambling regulatory framework, without altering existing gambling laws.
HB 693 creates a legal pathway for minors or their parents to sue commercial websites that knowingly distribute obscene material online to minors. It requires these entities to use reasonable age verification methods (like government ID or commercial systems) to confirm users are 18+ before accessing such content and prohibits retaining any user identifying information after verification. The bill excludes news organizations and internet service providers from these requirements. If a commercial entity violates these rules, affected individuals can seek damages for minors accessing obscene material or for improper retention of personal data. This law directly impacts websites hosting adult content and aims to protect minors from exposure to obscene material online.
SB 157 establishes a formal "competitive proof of concept" procurement method for Maryland state agencies to test new technologies or services before full implementation. It requires agencies to get approval from the Chief Procurement Officer (for non-IT) or Secretary of Information Technology (for IT) before starting, mandates posting solicitations on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage, and specifies multi-phase evaluation criteria. The bill also sets new participation goals for minority and veteran-owned businesses in these procurements and allows exemptions for small business reserves under certain conditions. This directly affects state agencies purchasing innovative solutions, particularly in technology, by creating a structured testing phase with clear procedural requirements.
HB 499, the "Ballot Petition Modernization Act," modernizes Maryland's petition process by requiring the State Board of Elections to adopt regulations for secure voter data handling and electronic signatures. It establishes clear rules for collecting and verifying electronic signatures on petitions, including accessibility standards for voters with disabilities and requirements for circulators to confirm signature validity. The bill updates signature collection procedures, removes outdated prohibitions on electronic signatures, and specifies how voter data must be stored securely to prevent misuse. This directly affects petition circulators, candidates gathering signatures, and voters whose registration data is used in the process.
Tags
Elections
HB 290 creates a refundable tax credit called the "Buy Maryland Cybersecurity Tax Credit" for Maryland businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees that purchase cybersecurity technology or services from qualifying Maryland-based cybersecurity companies. The credit covers 50% of qualifying costs, with a $50,000 annual limit per buyer and a $1 million annual cap per seller. Eligible sellers must be headquartered in Maryland, have under $10 million in annual revenue, and meet specific ownership criteria (e.g., minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned) or be located in a designated business zone. The credit expires for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2030, and is refundable if the credit exceeds the buyer's income tax liability.
SB 168 establishes a two-year pilot program (2027-2028) in Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation to test blockchain technology for recording real property ownership. The program allows property owners in up to three selected counties to opt into having their titles represented as secure digital tokens on a blockchain registry. This system would enable law enforcement and courts to verify ownership in real time, particularly for disputes involving squatting. The pilot requires creating a secure registry, testing smart contracts for title transfers, and reporting results to the legislature by 2029. It does not mandate statewide adoption but aims to assess blockchain's potential for improving property record security and dispute resolution.
