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MarylandHB 07112026 Regular SessionHouse

Data Privacy - Consumer Data, Public Records, and Message Switching System (Data Privacy Act)

Sponsored By: Lorig Charkoudian (Democratic)

Became Law

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionCybersecurityPublic SafetyAdministrative AgenciesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Consumer ProtectionData -see also- Census; DemographicsDisclosureEthicsImmigrants and Citizenship -see also- ResidencyInformation TechnologyInformation Technology, Department ofLocal Government MandatesMobile DevicesMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.Motor Vehicle AdministrationPersonal Identifying InformationPlans and ProposalsPrivacyPublic InformationPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReportsRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesState Police, Department of

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

No targeted ads to kids under 18

Companies cannot use a minor’s personal data for targeted ads if they knew or should have known the person is under 18. This reduces ad tracking and profiling for kids and teens.

Stronger protections for sensitive data

The law defines sensitive data, including race, religion, health, sex life, sexual orientation, transgender or nonbinary status, citizenship or immigration status, genetic and biometric data, child data, and precise location within 1,750 feet. Companies cannot collect, use, share, or sell sensitive data unless it is strictly needed to provide a product or service you asked for. Businesses cannot punish you for using your privacy rights, like by charging more or giving worse service. Data taken from government records only counts as “public” if the company followed the record’s access rules.

Warrant needed for immigration data access

The law blocks many immigration‑enforcement uses of state‑held or commercial data without a court warrant. Companies cannot sell personal data to a government unit that did civil immigration enforcement in the past six months, and may refuse that unit’s subpoenas or cooperation requests without a valid warrant that particularly describes the data. Public records custodians must deny access to Motor Vehicle Administration records, photographs, and facial‑recognition searches for immigration enforcement unless shown such a warrant. People who receive personal information under allowed exceptions cannot re‑share it for immigration enforcement without a valid warrant. Operators of law‑enforcement databases and message‑switching systems must collect the requester’s identity, require a sworn statement when no warrant is shown, and deny immigration‑enforcement access without a warrant. The MVA, State Police, and Public Safety report each year by June 1 on requests, warrants, facial‑recognition searches, and any data shared. Required federal driver‑privacy disclosures under the DPPA still apply.

Agencies must curb data resale by 2026

By July 1, 2026, every state and local agency must publish procedures that stop selling or re‑sharing personal and sensitive data in ways that harm residents’ privacy. Agencies must work with the Department of Information Technology and send their procedures to the General Assembly by that date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lorig Charkoudian

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 157 • No: 137

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 28 • No: 8 • Other: 11

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 94 • No: 35 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/20/2026

Floor Amendment {173029/1 (Delegate Hornberger) Rejected

Yes: 35 • No: 94 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 874

    5/31/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (28-8)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (94-35)

    3/21/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  10. Floor Amendment {173029/1 (Delegate Hornberger) Rejected (35-94)

    3/20/2026House

  11. Motion Special Order until 03/20 (Delegate Hornberger) Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {113120/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/19/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/3/2026House

  15. First Reading Economic Matters

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/31/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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