Technology (Emerging Technology)

HB 471 restricts how Maryland state and local governments can use drones (unmanned aircraft). It prohibits most deployments for surveillance or evidence collection, and bans using information gathered by drones unless specific exceptions apply. Evidence obtained through unauthorized drone use becomes inadmissible in court. Exceptions allow drone use only for activities like executing search warrants, active rescues, or responding to credible terrorism threats, as outlined in the bill. This directly affects state agencies and local governments operating drones for public safety purposes.

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.

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.

HB 51 establishes Maryland's Digital Asset Reserve Fund, a permanent state fund to invest cryptocurrency using money seized from gambling violations (like illegal bookmaking or betting). The State Treasurer would manage this fund, directing forfeiture proceeds from gambling enforcement into cryptocurrency investments that meet a $500 billion market capitalization minimum. The bill modifies criminal procedure laws to redirect these seized funds to the new reserve instead of the general fund, and adds new rules for managing crypto assets securely. It does not affect general state tax revenue or other funding sources.