MD HB1037

Maryland Public Service Commission gains authority to exercise oversight of broadband service and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, including establishing standards for infrastructure resilience and reliability

Internet service providers must submit network reliability information, report outages, provide data on availability/pricing/adoption, and submit emergency preparedness and post-emergency network restoration plans

Commission may conduct evaluations or audits of ISP facilities based on customer complaints or provider data, and require remedial actions if services are found unjust, unreasonable, unsafe, or inadequate

Repeals existing law (Sections 8-601 and 8-602) that prohibited the Commission from regulating VoIP service, including regulatory fees, certification requirements, and tariff approvals

Commission must report annually to the General Assembly beginning January 1, 2028 on progress toward improving service quality, public safety, and network resilience; effective date October 1, 2026