Bill > HB120

This bill, titled "Moratorium on Construction of New Data Centers - Co-Location and Generation Contingency," proposes to prohibit the construction of new data centers, which are defined as buildings housing computer systems and associated infrastructure for organizing, processing, storing, and disseminating large amounts of data, within the state, and prevents state or local government from approving such construction. However, this prohibition would not apply to any data center construction that has already obtained all necessary permits before the bill's effective date. Furthermore, the bill includes a contingency provision: it will automatically be repealed and have no further effect if the General Assembly later passes legislation requiring all new data centers to be built alongside new or existing natural gas, nuclear, or small modular reactor power generation facilities, and that these co-located facilities must provide power generation capacity equal to or greater than the data center's needs. The bill is declared an emergency measure, necessary for public health or safety, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0120?ys=2026RS