Bill > HB382

This bill, the Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act, requires certain broadband providers in Maryland to establish a program by December 1, 2026, to offer broadband services to eligible low-income consumers, with the Office of Statewide Broadband having the authority to exempt some providers. Providers will be allowed to increase the price of these low-income services once every three years, based on specific criteria, and the Office will annually report on the program's data starting November 15, 2027. Broadband service is defined as a mass-market retail service providing internet access, excluding dial-up, and a "provider" is defined as a company serving 10,000 or more customers. The bill also mandates that providers must report specific program details to the Office, and the Office will evaluate the sufficiency of these programs to meet low-income needs and make recommendations.