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Bill

Bill

HB 264

Maryland Data Privacy and Protection Act of 2026

2026 Regular Session

Maryland law establishes comprehensive data privacy protections requiring businesses to safeguard consumer personal information with enforcement mechanisms and consumer rights.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 435
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 264

Legislative bill overview

HB 264 establishes comprehensive data privacy protections for Maryland residents, creating requirements for how businesses collect, use, and safeguard personal data. The bill creates enforcement mechanisms and consumer rights similar to privacy laws adopted in other states like California and Virginia.

Why is this important

Data privacy laws directly affect how companies operate in the state and what protections consumers have over their personal information. This represents Maryland's entry into the growing landscape of state-level privacy regulations that fill gaps left by limited federal privacy rules.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Companies argue implementation requires significant investment in new systems, compliance infrastructure, and legal review, potentially raising consumer prices
  • Definition and scope of "personal data": Disputes likely over what counts as personal information requiring protection and which businesses must comply (large retailers vs. small businesses)
  • Consumer rights vs. business innovation: Balance between broad consumer access/deletion rights and companies' ability to use data for legitimate purposes like fraud detection and service improvement

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

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