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Bill

SB 286

Public Safety - Elevator Inspection Certificates - Searchable Database

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

Maryland must create a searchable public database of elevator inspection certificates to improve safety transparency and public access to compliance records.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 398
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Bill Summary · SB 286

Legislative bill overview

SB 286 requires Maryland to create and maintain a publicly searchable database of elevator inspection certificates. The bill mandates that inspection records, which document whether elevators meet safety standards, be made accessible online to the public rather than remaining in scattered or private records.

Why is this important

Elevator safety directly affects public health—faulty elevators cause injuries and deaths. Currently, citizens and building managers may struggle to verify whether an elevator has been properly inspected, potentially delaying identification of safety problems. A centralized searchable database increases transparency and allows property owners, tenants, and regulators to quickly confirm compliance status.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Some property owners may object to having inspection data (which could reveal building deficiencies) publicly visible, potentially affecting property values or liability exposure
  • Implementation costs: Creating and maintaining a searchable database requires state resources for development, staffing, and ongoing technical support
  • Data completeness: Questions may arise about whether all elevators will be included, how historical records will be digitized, and who is responsible for uploading timely inspection results

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

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