MD HB1239

Establishes a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, led by a Chief Critical Infrastructure Officer appointed by the Executive Director

Requires the Branch to identify threats to critical infrastructure, prioritize assets, conduct vulnerability assessments, and coordinate with federal, state, local, and private sector stakeholders including military leaders

Defines critical infrastructure as physical or virtual assets vital to U.S. security, economic security, public health, or safety as designated by the Department of Homeland Security, explicitly including hospitals and health care facilities

Directs the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts following attacks on critical infrastructure, and requires the Department of Information Technology to allow critical infrastructure owners/operators to join the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center

Takes effect July 1, 2026