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Bill

HB 268

Information Technology - Establishment of the Office of Enterprise Data and State Chief Data Officer and Collaboration With Agency Data Officers

2026 Regular Session

Maryland creates Office of Enterprise Data with State Chief Data Officer to coordinate data governance and require agency data officers for improved interagency data management.

First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 268

Legislative bill overview

HB 268 establishes a new Office of Enterprise Data within Maryland state government and creates the position of State Chief Data Officer. The bill also mandates the appointment of data officers within individual state agencies to work collaboratively on data governance, standardization, and management practices across government.

Why is this important

Fragmented data management across state agencies can lead to inefficiencies, duplicate efforts, increased costs, and reduced ability to provide coordinated public services. A centralized data leadership structure with agency-level coordination could improve data quality, security, accessibility, and enable better evidence-based policymaking while reducing redundant IT infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Establishing a new office and hiring data officers across agencies requires budget allocation that may be controversial during fiscal constraints
  • Bureaucratic expansion: Critics may view this as adding another layer of government administration rather than streamlining existing processes
  • Data privacy and security concerns: Increased data centralization and inter-agency sharing raises questions about how sensitive citizen information will be protected and accessed
  • Unclear authority structure: The relationship between the Chief Data Officer and agency heads—particularly regarding compliance and decision-making authority—may create jurisdictional conflicts
  • Mandatory participation burden: Requiring all agencies to designate data officers could be seen as unfunded mandate on smaller agencies with limited resources

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

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