Bill > HB382

This bill, known as the Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act, mandates that all broadband service providers in Maryland, serving 10,000 or more customers, must establish low-income consumer programs by December 1, 2026, offering at least one low-cost broadband service option that meets specific speed, data storage, and latency requirements, with provisions for occasional price adjustments and a 30-day notice period for increases. The bill defines "broadband service" as internet access that is not dial-up, and "low-income consumer" as an individual or household meeting criteria for various federal and state assistance programs or having an income at or below 350% of the federal poverty guidelines. Providers are prohibited from requiring automatic payment plans for program eligibility and must allow customers to purchase standalone broadband or bundled services, with program contracts mirroring regular plans in terms and conditions except for price and speed. Providers must also prominently advertise these low-income programs on their websites and in promotional materials, and the Office of Statewide Broadband (the "Office") can grant exemptions to providers if compliance would cause undue financial hardship and they serve fewer than 20,000 households. Furthermore, providers must submit annual compliance reports to the Office detailing program availability, enrollment, advertising efforts, and service plans, while the Office will periodically review and potentially recommend updates to minimum speed and eligibility requirements, and a Broadband Affordability Advisory Board will be established to define "low-cost broadband service" in accordance with federal guidelines. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices, subject to penalties under existing commercial law.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0382?ys=2026RS