MD HB382

Broadband providers with 10,000+ customers must file annual compliance reports with the Office of Statewide Broadband by November 15, 2027, detailing low-income program availability, enrollment numbers, eligibility criteria, verification procedures, and marketing efforts.

The Office of Statewide Broadband must annually evaluate whether existing low-income broadband programs meet consumer needs and include findings and recommendations in its December 1 report to the Governor and General Assembly.

Violations of the subtitle constitute unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article, subject to existing enforcement and penalty provisions.

The Office must maintain a public website with GIS mapping showing broadband access, service prices, and reduced-rate plans for low-income consumers, along with demographic and adoption data by county.

Effective date is October 1, 2026.