Bill > HB566

This bill prohibits the distribution of a student's personal identifying information or images from a secondary school (grades 6-12) or a postsecondary institution (like a college or university) if the person distributing it intends or knows it will be used to harm the student, or if they recklessly disregard the risk of harm. "Distribute" is broadly defined to include giving, selling, publishing, uploading, or making the information available in any way, with exceptions for legitimate academic, journalistic, or expressive purposes protected by free speech rights. "Harm" is defined as physical injury, serious emotional distress from harassment or threats, or economic damages. The bill specifies what constitutes personal identifying information, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, and biometric data. It also outlines exceptions for members of the press, individuals engaged in academic or research activities, disclosures required by law or for campus safety, and disclosures made to campus police or authorized officials. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor, facing up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine, or both.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0566?ys=2026RS