Technology

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 485: Public Health - Women's Health Care Data - Report

SB 485 requires the Maryland Department of Health to create a system for collecting annual data on the costs of specific women's health services, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, abortion, and menopausal care. Hospitals, healthcare providers, and other entities offering these services must report aggregated cost data (without identifying individual patients) to comply with privacy laws. The collected data will be used to assess financial impacts on patients and providers, inform health policy decisions, and evaluate how effectively public and private funds are spent. The bill specifically mandates that abortion cost data be reported in aggregated form only, excluding procedure-level details.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires privacy-compliant aggregated data collection for health services, directly aligning with data privacy protections as specified in the topic.95% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 566: Criminal Law – Distribution of Students’ Personal Information – Prohibition

HB 566 prohibits distributing a student's personal details - such as name, address, Social Security number, or school address - without their explicit consent (or a parent/guardian's consent if the student is under 18). It specifically targets situations where the distribution is done with intent to cause harm (like physical injury, serious emotional distress, or economic damage) or with reckless disregard for that risk. The law applies to students in secondary schools (grades 6-12) or postsecondary institutions and carries misdemeanor penalties of up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine for violations. Exceptions include journalistic reporting, academic activities, and disclosures required for campus safety or legal compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal prohibition for misuse of student personal information causing harm, protecting civil rights within criminal justice framework.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects student privacy in educational settings by prohibiting unauthorized sharing of personal information, enhancing safety and trust in schools.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized sharing of student personal data without consent, directly protecting data privacy - a core technology policy area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Higher Education School Safety Data Privacy

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 8: Criminal Law - Identity Fraud - Artificial Intelligence and Deepfake Representations

SB 8 prohibits using personal identifying information (like Social Security numbers or bank details) or AI-generated deepfakes - defined as computer images indistinguishable from real people - to cause harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. It bans maliciously disclosing personal details via online services, assuming another’s identity for fraud (e.g., accessing healthcare or avoiding debt), and using devices that copy payment card data without consent. The law directly affects individuals or entities exploiting personal data or deepfakes for fraudulent gain, harassment, or harm. Victims may pursue civil lawsuits against violators, and the bill updates Maryland’s criminal law to address emerging threats from AI and deepfake technology.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits identity fraud and deepfakes causing harm, strengthening criminal law enforcement against tech-enabled crimes.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits AI deepfakes and misuse of personal data for fraud, directly enhancing data privacy and cybersecurity protections as defined in topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy Digital Government

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 201: Public Utilities - Transmission Lines - Advanced Transmission Technologies

SB 201 modifies Maryland's requirements for approving new overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It requires applicants to include specific details in their applications and mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects. The bill also adds new reporting obligations for owners/operators of existing transmission lines. It defines "advanced transmission technologies" to include grid-enhancing tools, high-performance conductors, and energy storage used for transmission. These changes directly affect electric companies planning or operating high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Maryland.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill defines 'advanced transmission technologies' to include energy storage and grid tools, enabling cleaner energy integration and modern infrastructure upgrades.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes 'advanced transmission technologies' including energy storage, enabling cleaner grid integration and efficiency, aligning with environmental goals without explicit language.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly defines and mandates consideration of 'advanced transmission technologies' including grid tools and energy storage, promoting their adoption in utility infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 482: Criminal Law - Interference With Critical Infrastructure or a Public Safety Answering Point

SB 482 makes it a crime to intentionally access or interfere with computer systems supporting critical infrastructure (like emergency services, utilities, or public safety answering points) with the intent to disrupt operations. It prohibits unauthorized access, ransomware attacks, or sharing access codes to such systems, specifically targeting acts meant to impair public safety services. The law applies to individuals who disrupt or deny access to systems vital for public security, health, transportation, or utilities. It amends Maryland’s criminal code to clarify penalties for these specific cyber-related interferences.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill criminalizes unauthorized access/ransomware targeting critical infrastructure systems, directly enhancing cybersecurity protections for public safety services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 64: Legal Advertisement or Legal Notice - Publication in Newspaper or Newspaper in General Circulation - Digital Newspapers

This bill updates Maryland law to allow qualified digital news outlets to publish legal notices and advertisements previously requiring print newspapers. To qualify, digital publications must produce original local news content (at least one weekly article), employ staff dedicated to local reporting (30+ hours/week), and meet IRS criteria if tax-exempt. It affects counties and municipalities requiring legal notices (e.g., property sales, public hearings) and digital news organizations seeking to publish such notices. The law maintains existing print publication requirements while expanding acceptable platforms for public notice.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly allows digital news outlets to replace print for legal notices, advancing digital media adoption in official communications.90% confidence

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 378: Public Libraries - Young Readers Matching Grant Program, Funding, and Services

SB 378 updates Maryland's funding formula for regional library resource centers and county public libraries, increasing per-resident funding from $8.75 (2022) to $11.58 (2032 and beyond) for regional centers, and from $17.10 (2022) to $22.37 (2032 and beyond) for county libraries. It requires each public library to offer at least one new service, such as early childhood literacy programs, digital equity initiatives, or mental health support, by partnering with community organizations. The bill also mandates that libraries adopt written policies meeting state standards to receive state funding, with the Comptroller withholding funds for non-compliance. These changes affect all 23 Maryland county library systems and their regional resource centers, directly impacting how they allocate state funds and deliver services. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for public libraries by raising per-resident allocations from $8.75 to $11.58 (regional) and $17.10 to $22.37 (county), directly advancing public service budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases library funding for educational services and mandates new programs like early childhood literacy, directly advancing educational access and community learning resources.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires libraries to offer digital equity initiatives, advancing access to technology and internet resources per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Libraries School Funding

passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 25: Income Tax - Cybersecurity Technology and Service Tax Credit - Alterations

SB 25 creates the "Buy Maryland Cybersecurity Tax Credit," allowing Maryland businesses to claim a 50% tax credit (up to $50,000 annually) for purchasing cybersecurity technology or services from Maryland-based cybersecurity companies meeting specific criteria. The credit is refundable (businesses can get cash if the credit exceeds taxes owed) and requires sellers to be Maryland-headquartered, small businesses (under $10 million revenue), and/or owned by minorities, women, veterans, or located in designated business zones. It limits total credits per seller to $1 million annually and ends all new credits after 2030. This directly affects Maryland businesses buying cybersecurity and qualifying Maryland cybersecurity firms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates refundable 50% tax credit for cybersecurity purchases, providing direct tax relief to businesses under specific criteria.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates tax credit for cybersecurity tech purchases, incentivizing business investment in security measures, directly enhancing cybersecurity protections.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill requires cybersecurity vendors to be veteran-owned to qualify for tax credit, directly supporting veteran entrepreneurship and business ownership opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Procurement Tax Credits Cybersecurity

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 51: Public Schools - Self-Contained Special Education Classrooms - Use of Video Recording Devices

SB 51 requires Maryland county school boards to install video cameras in all self-contained special education classrooms starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with cameras recording all areas except bathrooms and changing spaces during school hours. It mandates clear notice to parents and students, limits video storage to six months (or one year if used in complaints), and restricts access to authorized personnel like school administrators or law enforcement. The bill also requires concealing student identities in recordings unrelated to incidents and prohibits using cameras to monitor staff performance. This directly affects county school boards, special education students, and their families by establishing strict privacy and usage rules for classroom monitoring.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enforces data privacy safeguards (storage limits, access restrictions) for school video recordings, aligning with topic's data privacy focus.85% confidence

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 23, 2026

HB 382: Commercial Law - Broadband Access - Low-Income Consumer Programs (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act)

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires broadband providers to establish low-cost programs with specific speed/data requirements for low-income households, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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