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Bill

SB 616

Business Regulation - Data Broker Registry

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Ferguson and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland requires data brokers to register with the state Attorney General, disclose their operations, and face penalties for non-compliance, increasing transparency and consumer protection.

First Reading Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 616

Legislative bill overview

SB 616 establishes a mandatory registration system for data brokers operating in Maryland, requiring them to disclose their business practices, data sources, and categories of personal information they collect and sell. The bill creates a state registry managed by the Attorney General to track these entities and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Data brokers operate largely in the shadows, aggregating and selling personal information about millions of people without their knowledge or consent. This bill brings transparency to a multi-billion dollar industry and gives Maryland residents and regulators visibility into who is profiting from their personal data, while also providing enforcement mechanisms to hold bad actors accountable.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Data brokers argue registration requirements and compliance activities impose administrative burdens that could reduce market competition or be passed to consumers
  • Scope and definitions: Disagreement likely over which entities qualify as "data brokers" and whether legitimate data analytics, marketing, or credit reporting firms are unfairly captured
  • Privacy vs. transparency trade-offs: Some argue the registry itself could become a vulnerability if breached, or that public disclosure of broker practices reveals proprietary business methods
  • Enforcement and resources: Questions about whether the Attorney General has adequate funding and personnel to maintain the registry and pursue violators effectively

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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