HB 316 updates Maryland's definition of "medical record" to require healthcare providers to record certain patient information through official channels (written, electronic, or audio/video means) instead of entering it directly into the patient's personal record. It explicitly adds electronic messages (like texts or emails) that identify a patient to the protected definition of medical records. This affects healthcare providers who must now document specific communications in designated formats, ensuring digital patient interactions receive the same confidentiality protections as traditional medical records. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 114 establishes the Maryland 3-1-1 Oversight Board to manage a statewide expansion of nonemergency 3-1-1 services. The bill requires all Maryland counties to implement AI-powered chatbots (by June 2027) and voicebots (by December 2028) that provide multilingual support, route calls accurately, and escalate complex issues to live agents. These systems must align with accessibility and equity standards, using curated government data for responses. The bill directly affects all 23 Maryland counties, residents using 3-1-1 services, and state agencies managing the program, with full statewide implementation required by July 2028.
HB 715 establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund as a special, nonlapsing state fund to address harms linked to social media algorithms affecting children. The fund is financed by civil penalties from settlements/judgments about social media-related harm to youth, state budget appropriations, and interest earnings. It mandates the Maryland Department of Health to use these resources exclusively for evidence-based prevention, intervention, and treatment services - including school education programs on digital literacy, mental health support for issues like depression and anxiety, and research - prioritizing youth mental health outcomes. The fund cannot replace existing state funding for these services.
HB 434 prohibits Maryland landlords from using computer programs (algorithmic devices) that rely on nonpublic competitor data - like actual rent prices or occupancy rates - to set rent, lease renewal terms, or occupancy levels for new residential leases. It directly affects residential landlords who might use such tools to adjust pricing or lease conditions. The law defines "nonpublic competitor data" as information not widely available, such as rivals' rent amounts or tenant turnover rates, and excludes tools used for affordable housing programs or anonymized industry reports. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland's consumer protection law, with enforcement starting October 1, 2026, for new leases only.
HB 40 updates Maryland's regulations for overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It redefines "qualified generator lead line" to include lines using advanced transmission technologies (like grid-enhancing software, high-performance conductors, or energy storage) that connect out-of-state renewable energy sources to Maryland's grid. The bill requires applicants for construction permits to include specific details in their applications, mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects, and obligates line owners to submit regular reports to the Commission. These changes directly affect utility companies seeking to build or upgrade transmission infrastructure.
SB 79 requires Maryland county school boards to create and adopt policies restricting student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during school hours. It mandates a complete ban for elementary and middle school students, while allowing limited use for high school students under specific exceptions - such as for documented health needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), or educational purposes. Policies must be published online and in student handbooks, reviewed every two years, and include disciplinary measures for violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting all public school districts and students in Maryland.
HB 10 updates Maryland law to include qualified digital publications as valid platforms for publishing required legal advertisements and notices (like court filings or government announcements). It establishes specific standards for digital publications to qualify, requiring them to produce original local news content (at least one article weekly), employ staff dedicated to local reporting (30+ hours/week), and meet other criteria like public interest focus. This directly affects counties and municipalities that must publish such notices, ensuring digital outlets meet comparable standards to traditional print newspapers. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, with special provisions for Prince George’s and Dorchester Counties.
HB 264, the Maryland Data Privacy and Protection Act of 2026, sets new rules for how Maryland state government agencies collect, store, and handle personal information. It requires agencies to only collect personal data that is necessary for a legitimate government purpose, delete or remove identifying details when no longer needed, and post clear privacy notices on their websites. The bill specifically defines "sensitive data" (like racial origin, health information, biometric data, and location tracking) and mandates that agencies designate a Privacy Officer to oversee compliance. This law directly affects all Maryland state government units, including departments and agencies, by requiring them to update their data practices to protect residents' privacy.
SB 392 requires Maryland's Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to create a grant and loan program funding research, product development, and manufacturing for Long COVID treatments. The program establishes the Maryland Long COVID Research Fund (a permanent, nonlapsing fund) and mandates MTDC to contract with an independent scientific review committee to evaluate and recommend funding for proposals. It directly affects public and private entities in Maryland conducting Long COVID research, requiring them to meet criteria set by MTDC for review and oversight. The bill defines Long COVID using the National Academy of Sciences' 2024 standard and ensures funds support treatment innovation through structured application and progress reviews.
HB 711, the Data Privacy Act, prohibits businesses from selling consumer data they know or should know will be used for immigration enforcement. It requires public record custodians to prevent unauthorized access to records, especially for immigration purposes, and mandates reasonable rules to block such access. The bill also defines "sensitive data" to include immigration status, health information, racial background, and biometric data, requiring entities to handle this data carefully. Additionally, it sets new rules for message switching systems (like messaging apps) to prevent misuse of user data. These changes directly affect businesses handling consumer data, government record keepers, and digital service providers in Maryland.
