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HB 304

Public Information Act - Data Manipulation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robin Grammer

Maryland HB 304 addresses data manipulation within public information disclosures to strengthen government transparency and record integrity standards.

Hearing 1/27 at 2:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 304

Legislative bill overview

HB 304 appears to address issues related to data manipulation within Maryland's Public Information Act framework. The bill has been referred to the Government, Labor, and Elections committee and is scheduled for a hearing on January 27, 2026. Without access to the bill's full text, the specific provisions regarding what constitutes prohibited data manipulation and enforcement mechanisms cannot be detailed.

Why is this important

Public Information Act amendments directly affect government transparency and citizens' access to public records. Data manipulation concerns touch on both the integrity of government information and public trust in official documents, making this potentially consequential for how Maryland agencies handle and disclose information.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: How "data manipulation" is defined could be contested—whether it covers intentional falsification, selective omission, presentation bias, or technical errors, with implications for agency compliance
  • Enforcement and liability: Disagreement may arise over who bears responsibility for violations, what penalties apply, and whether protections exist for good-faith errors versus intentional misconduct
  • Operational burden: Agencies may argue that strict compliance requirements impose administrative costs, while transparency advocates may push for robust oversight mechanisms

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

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