HB 1475 requires merchants selling goods or services to disclose when prices are set using algorithms that analyze personal data, mandating a clear statement: "THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA." It also prohibits residential landlords or property managers from using software, data analytics, or algorithms to coordinate rent adjustments or lease terms across multiple properties. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to enforcement and penalties. The bill directly affects businesses using dynamic pricing and rental property owners/managers utilizing algorithmic tools for pricing decisions.
HB 985 prohibits video streaming services (like Netflix or Disney+) from broadcasting commercial advertisements louder than the accompanying video programming. It directly affects streaming platforms that transmit content via internet-based systems, excluding traditional TV broadcasters and cable operators. The bill requires these services to comply with audio loudness standards that match the volume of the main content, aligning with existing federal FCC regulations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland law.
SB 695 regulates how businesses and government entities can use driver's license or ID card swiping. It prohibits swiping except for specific purposes like verifying identity during purchases, checking age for restricted goods, preventing fraud, or processing payments. Businesses may not store, sell, or share personal details (like license numbers) collected through swiping, except for limited data (name, address, date of birth, ID number) when used for fraud prevention or payment processing. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, with enforcement by the Attorney General. The bill applies to retailers, financial institutions, and government agencies handling such data.
HB 1562 requires Maryland telecommunications providers (like phone and internet companies) to automatically apply a service disruption credit to affected customers' accounts during outages lasting at least 3 consecutive hours that impact primary service locations. The credit must be at least one day's worth of the customer's recurring monthly service charge, applied without customer action within two billing cycles after service restoration. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland law, subject to enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act. This bill directly affects retail customers and telecom providers operating in Maryland.
SB 563 adds crisis pregnancy clinics to Maryland’s definition of "health care provider" under confidentiality laws. This means these clinics must now follow the same medical record privacy rules as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The bill specifically covers clinics providing pregnancy-related care, including mobile facilities, even if they’re not subject to federal HIPAA rules. It applies directly to crisis pregnancy clinics operating in Maryland, requiring them to protect patient records like other healthcare providers. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1239 establishes a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within Maryland’s Coordination and Analysis Center to enhance state-wide security planning. It requires the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate responses to infrastructure attacks and sets cybersecurity reporting standards for critical infrastructure owners (like utility companies and hospitals). The bill also allows these private sector operators to join Maryland’s Information Sharing and Analysis Center to share threat data and receive security best practices. These provisions aim to improve threat identification, vulnerability assessments, and cross-sector coordination for systems vital to public safety and the economy.
HB 795 requires Maryland health insurance companies to provide human review for any coverage denial made using artificial intelligence, algorithms, or software tools. Insurers must also report quarterly aggregated data on these AI-related denials, including claim types, member demographics (race, gender, profession), and policy details (individual, group, or exchange plans). These reports must be submitted to the state insurance commissioner and include the total number of AI-related grievances reviewed. The bill directly affects health insurers operating in Maryland and impacts members who face AI-driven coverage decisions.
SB 720, the "Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act," requires Maryland’s State Department of Education to create and maintain online guidance for schools, educators, parents, and students on the safe, ethical, and equitable use of AI in K-12 education. It mandates county school boards to adopt AI policies within 120 days of guidance release, designate AI coordinators, and procure AI tools aligned with state standards. The bill also requires Morgan State University to annually certify AI tools and establishes statewide teacher training in AI literacy by July 2027, with compensation for educators participating. Local school systems must integrate AI into workforce preparation standards by June 2027, coordinated with the Maryland Center for Computing Education. The law directly affects all Maryland public schools, educators, students, and technology vendors supplying educational AI tools.
SB 889 prohibits businesses from using consumer data (like browsing habits) to set dynamic prices for goods or services, and bans food retailers with over 15,000 square feet from using electronic shelf labels for pricing. Instead, these retailers must display prices using physical methods like stickers, tags, or signs. The bill also bans employers from using employee data to set wages and makes violations of these rules enforceable under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. It directly affects large food retailers, businesses using data-driven pricing, and workers whose wages might be influenced by surveillance-based systems.
HB 883 prohibits AI developers from making or causing AI to make claims that the AI is a behavioral health provider or can deliver behavioral health care services. It requires AI sold to Maryland consumers to include clear notices stating users are interacting with AI (not a human) and to detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm, automatically referring users to crisis services. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1 million per offense, with funds directed to Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workgroup Investment Fund. The law directly affects AI developers and sellers operating in Maryland, focusing on preventing misleading AI interactions in mental health contexts.
