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SB 482

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cheryl Kagan and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill criminalizes interference with 911 call centers and critical infrastructure to protect emergency response systems and public safety.

Returned Passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 482

Legislative bill overview

SB 482 creates criminal penalties for interfering with critical infrastructure or Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs—911 call centers). The bill establishes new offenses and defines what constitutes interference, which could include physical damage, cyberattacks, or disruption of services at these facilities.

Why is this important

Critical infrastructure disruptions and 911 system failures can have serious public safety consequences, delaying emergency response to fires, medical emergencies, and crimes. This legislation addresses a potential gap in existing law by specifically criminalizing such interference, providing prosecutors with targeted tools to handle these threats.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "interference": The bill's definition of what qualifies as interference may be vague, potentially capturing minor disruptions or protected speech alongside serious criminal conduct
  • Cybersecurity provisions: If the bill addresses digital attacks on PSAPs, concerns may arise about how it interacts with federal cybersecurity law and whether penalties are proportionate
  • Sentencing severity: The penalties prescribed could be subject to debate—some may view them as insufficient deterrent while others consider them excessive for certain types of interference

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

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