Technology

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 1179: Consumer Protection - Application Store Accountability Act

HB 1179, the Consumer Protection - Application Store Accountability Act, requires app store providers (like Apple App Store or Google Play) and developers operating in Maryland to implement age verification for minors under 18 and obtain verified parental consent before enabling certain transactions. It mandates clear disclosures about an app's age rating and content description to parents before purchases, prohibits enforcing contracts with minors without verified consent, and bans misleading parental consent disclosures. The bill also authorizes Maryland's Consumer Protection Division to enforce these rules under the state's consumer protection laws. This directly affects app stores, developers, parents, and minors using mobile apps in Maryland.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates age verification and parental consent for app store transactions to protect minors, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital markets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Online Safety

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 1167: Department of Information Technology - Workgroup on the Medicaid Management Information System Mainframe System Replacement

HB 1167 requires Maryland's Department of Health to replace its outdated Medicaid computer system with a modern, flexible system by 2028. The new system must maintain all current Medicaid functions - including processing medical/dental/pharmacy claims, provider enrollment, and beneficiary inquiries - while meeting federal security and performance standards. The bill mandates integration with existing Medicaid systems by January 2027 and full replacement of the old system by January 2028, subject to federal approval. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and healthcare providers through more reliable service delivery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpgrades Medicaid IT system to maintain coverage, ensure claim processing, and meet federal standards - directly supports healthcare service delivery and access.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires modern system meeting federal security standards, enhancing cybersecurity for Medicaid operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Prescription Drugs

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 597: Higher Education - Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership

SB 597 establishes the Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership within the University System of Maryland to serve as a central hub for coordinating AI initiatives across the state. It creates an Artificial Intelligence Incubation Lab to help state agencies adopt AI responsibly, and redesignates the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program as the Emerging Technology Public Service Scholarship Program to include AI training. The bill also requires Morgan State University's Center for Equitable AI to support state agencies with AI research. These changes directly affect Maryland public university students (through expanded scholarship eligibility), state agencies (via lab support), and the University System of Maryland (as host for the Partnership and Lab).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates AI partnership and expands scholarship program for AI training in higher education, advancing educational opportunities in emerging fields.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes AI Partnership, Incubation Lab, and expands AI training via scholarship redesign - advancing state AI adoption and coordination95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 823: State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Blockchain-Based Real Property Title Pilot Program - Establishment

HB 823 establishes a two-year pilot program 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 records on a blockchain registry, which law enforcement and courts could use to verify ownership and resolve disputes involving squatting. Key provisions include creating a secure blockchain registry, developing real-time validation tools for authorities, testing smart contracts for title transfers, and requiring coordination with courts and police. The pilot begins January 1, 2027, with a final report due December 2028 assessing the system's potential for broader use. This affects participating property owners, local law enforcement, and courts in pilot jurisdictions, but does not change existing property laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes blockchain pilot for secure property records, advancing technology use in government systems and enhancing data security for ownership verification.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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died · Maryland · Senate Mar 13, 2026

SB 884: Internet Poker Authorization and Regulation Act of 2026

SB 884 would authorize Maryland’s State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to issue licenses for regulated internet skill-based gaming operations (not traditional poker). It creates a new regulatory framework under "Subtitle 1F" defining key terms, requiring licenses for operators, and directing proceeds to existing state funds like the Economic Development Account and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. The bill specifies that licensees must operate in "economically disadvantaged areas" meeting specific income, unemployment, or poverty criteria. This legislation directly affects the Commission, qualified gaming operators, and state funds receiving new revenue streams.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects internet gaming license fees to Economic Development and Blueprint funds, increasing state revenue without tax hikes for public services.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates regulatory framework for internet skill-based gaming operations, enabling tech services under state oversight and directing proceeds to state funds.85% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

HB 1471: Consumer Protection - Identity Theft Debt

HB 1471 creates a new process for Maryland consumers who believe debt was incurred due to identity theft. It requires creditors to pause all collection efforts for 30 days after receiving a certified written notice with supporting evidence (like police reports). If the creditor confirms the debt is identity theft, they must permanently stop collection, dismiss related lawsuits, and remove the debt from credit reports. Consumers can also file a civil lawsuit in court with a jury trial option if the creditor fails to comply.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects data privacy by requiring removal of identity theft-related debt from credit reports, preventing fraudulent data from affecting consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 1057: Education - Artificial Intelligence - Guidelines, Professional Development, and Collaborative (Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act)

This bill requires Maryland's State Department of Education to create online resources for schools, teachers, and students on the safe, ethical, and equitable use of artificial intelligence in education. It mandates that school districts develop AI policies by December 2027, appoint AI coordinators, and use only AI tools certified by Morgan State University as meeting state guidelines. The law also requires statewide teacher training on AI literacy by July 2027 and includes AI education in workforce preparation standards. These requirements directly affect public K-12 schools, educators, students, and administrators across Maryland.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates AI resources, teacher training, and school policies to advance ethical AI use in education, directly supporting educators and curriculum development.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI guidelines, teacher training, and certified tools to promote ethical, equitable AI use in education, advancing responsible technology integration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Teachers Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 1089: Consumer Protection - Data Broker Registry - Establishment

HB 1089 requires data brokers operating in Maryland or collecting data on Maryland residents to register annually with the Attorney General’s Office starting January 31, 2028. Data brokers must submit details about the personal data they collect, sources, third parties they share with, consumer contact information, and opt-out methods. The Attorney General will maintain a public, searchable database of registered brokers (excluding trade secrets) and set tiered fees based on the broker’s annual revenue. The law aims to increase transparency for consumers about data practices without restricting lawful data collection, with enforcement including civil penalties for non-compliance. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and requires the Attorney General to report compliance metrics and consumer complaints to the legislature by December 2029.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires data brokers to register, disclose data practices, and provide opt-out methods, strengthening consumer data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

HB 1456: Consumer Protection - Residential Property Advertisement - Ownership Verification

HB 1456 requires real estate websites, social media platforms, and other commercial entities to verify that the person advertising a residential property for sale or lease is either the legal owner or their authorized agent before publishing the listing. Commercial entities must maintain this verification for at least three years and immediately remove any listing published without proper verification. Violations would be treated as unfair, deceptive, or abusive trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to enforcement and penalties. This bill directly affects online property listing services and real estate platforms that publish residential property advertisements. It aims to prevent fraudulent listings by mandating ownership verification as a standard practice.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires tech platforms to verify property owners, preventing deceptive listings under consumer protection laws, aligning with regulating tech for user safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2026

HB 1385: Health Insurance - Use of Artificial Intelligence - Human Evaluation

HB 1385 requires health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers using artificial intelligence (AI) for medical treatment reviews (utilization review) to include licensed healthcare professionals in key evaluations. Specifically, it mandates that AI decisions must be reviewed by a licensed professional who can question, modify, or override AI determinations based on a patient’s full medical history and individual circumstances. The bill also requires quarterly reviews of AI performance using human assessments of real-world health outcomes to improve accuracy and safety. These provisions apply to all AI tools used in utilization review processes within Maryland’s health insurance system, effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates human evaluation of AI medical decisions to ensure patient-specific care and protect patient rights in insurance coverage.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates human oversight for AI in healthcare decisions, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance per consumer protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs Artificial Intelligence

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