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Bill

SB 597

Higher Education - Maryland Artificial Intelligence Partnership

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dalya Attar and 7 co-sponsors

Maryland creates university-AI company partnerships to advance AI research, education, and workforce training while raising questions about industry influence and equitable access.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 633
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Bill Summary · SB 597

Legislative bill overview

SB 597 establishes a formal partnership framework between Maryland's higher education institutions and artificial intelligence development entities to advance AI research, education, and workforce development. The bill creates mechanisms for universities to collaborate with AI companies and organizations on curriculum development, research initiatives, and student training programs.

Why is this important

As AI becomes increasingly central to economic competitiveness and workforce needs, states are competing to position themselves as AI hubs. Maryland's partnership approach could help students gain relevant skills, attract AI industry investment, and keep research talent within the state—or risk falling behind competing regions if implementation is inadequate.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry influence over curriculum: Questions about whether AI companies will have inappropriate influence over what students learn and research priorities, potentially biasing education toward commercial interests rather than broader academic inquiry
  • Equity and access concerns: Unclear whether partnership benefits will reach all students equitably or concentrate at elite institutions, potentially widening disparities in AI opportunity access
  • Public funding allocation: Concerns about whether state resources are being diverted to support private AI company interests rather than public education priorities, and whether partnerships represent good use of limited higher education budgets

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

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