MD HB1553

Requires all broadband providers in Maryland to establish low-income consumer programs by December 1, 2025, offering service at $15/month for 100/20 Mbps speeds or $20/month for 200/20 Mbps speeds, including taxes and fees

Eligibility for low-income rates includes recipients of SNAP, Medicaid, free/reduced lunch programs, Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, low-income energy assistance, or households at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines

Providers serving fewer than 20,000 households may be exempted by the Office of Statewide Broadband if compliance would cause unreasonable financial hardship

Price increases are limited to once every 3 years at the lesser of CPI change or 2% annually, with 30 days' notice required to enrolled consumers and the Office

Providers must file annual compliance reports by November 15 starting in 2026, and violations are classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices subject to enforcement under Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article