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MarylandSB 04822026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Mike McKay (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesAdministrative AgenciesCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.CybersecurityEmergency Services -see also- Ambul; Emergencies; etc.Health -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Municipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltySafety -see also- Occupational SafetyTelecommunicationsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger penalties for 911 and infrastructure attacks

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland sets tougher crimes for attacks on critical infrastructure and 911 centers. It is a felony, with up to 5 years in prison or a $25,000 fine, to intentionally and without authorization act to interrupt or impair those systems. It is a separate felony, with up to 10 years in prison or a $50,000 fine, to deny access to an authorized user of, or impair the functioning of, those systems. These rules apply only to intentional, willful acts done without authorization. The law protects public safety answering points (911 centers) and other critical infrastructure.

What counts as critical infrastructure

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law defines “critical infrastructure.” It covers systems and assets whose failure would badly harm public security, the economy, health, safety, transportation, or utilities. It includes state, county, and city systems. This definition sets which systems get the new criminal protections.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mike McKay

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 520

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/8/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/17/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/13/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2026Senate

  9. Floor Amendment {943624/1 (Senator McKay) Adopted

    3/11/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {953229/1 Adopted

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator McKay) Adopted

    3/11/2026Senate

  12. Favorable with Amendments {953229/1

    3/11/2026Senate

  13. Motion Laid Over (Senator McKay) Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments {953229/1

    3/10/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/9/2026Senate

  16. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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