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Bill > HB1037
MD HB1037
MD HB1037Public Service Commission - Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol Service - Oversight (Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act)
summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Authorizing the Public Service Commission to exercise certain oversight of broadband service and voice over Internet protocol service; requiring the Commission to assess the adequacy of certain plans for each Internet service provider; authorizing the Commission to conduct certain evaluations or audits and require certain remedial action under certain circumstances; and repealing provisions of law prohibiting the Commission from regulating voice over Internet protocol service.
AI Summary
This bill, the Broadband Accountability and Affordability Act, grants the Public Service Commission (PSC) oversight authority over broadband service and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, which is a type of internet-based phone service that requires a broadband connection. The PSC will be required to establish regulations to ensure the quality, reliability, and resilience of these services, including setting standards for network infrastructure, requiring internet service providers (ISPs) to report outages and data on service availability and pricing, and mandating that ISPs submit emergency preparedness and network restoration plans. The PSC will assess the adequacy of these plans and, if an ISP's practices are found to be inadequate or unsafe, the PSC can require remedial actions. The bill also repeals existing provisions that prohibited the PSC from regulating VoIP service and clarifies that this new oversight does not limit the authority of the Office of Statewide Broadband.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (16)
Linda Foley (D)*,
Gabriel Acevero (D),
Eric Ebersole (D),
Kris Fair (D),
Diana Fennell (D),
Ken Kerr (D),
Mary Lehman (D),
Ashanti Martínez (D),
Julie Palakovich Carr (D),
Edith Patterson (D),
Sheila Ruth (D),
Ryan Spiegel (D),
Vaughn Stewart (D),
Veronica Turner (D),
Joe Vogel (D),
Greg Wims (D),
Last Action
House Environment and Transportation Hearing (13:00:00 3/3/2026 ) (on 03/03/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1037?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1037f.pdf |
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