MD HB444

Adds "critical infrastructure" to Maryland's computer crimes law, defined as physical or virtual systems vital to the State, county, or municipality whose incapacity would debilitate public security, economic security, public health, or public safety

Creates a felony offense for intentionally committing prohibited computer acts with intent to deny access or interrupt/impair critical infrastructure or 911 public safety answering points, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fine

Creates a separate felony offense for actually denying access or interrupting/impairing critical infrastructure or public safety answering points, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $50,000 fine

Amends Section 7-302 of the Criminal Law Article to expand existing computer crime protections beyond state government, utilities, health care facilities, and public schools

Effective October 1, 2025