MD HB382

Broadband providers serving 10,000+ customers must establish low-income consumer programs by December 1, 2026, offering service at minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps for households of two or fewer, or 200/20 Mbps for larger households, with at least 1.2 terabytes of data storage.

Eligibility for low-income programs includes participants in SNAP, Medicaid, free/reduced lunch programs, Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit recipients, or households with income at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines.

Providers may increase program prices once every 3 years by the lesser of the Consumer Price Index change or 2% annually, with 30 days' notice required to enrollees and the Office of Statewide Broadband.

Establishes a Broadband Affordability Advisory Board with representatives from the legislature, Governor's office, Attorney General, and broadband providers to define low-cost service options under federal requirements.

Providers must file annual compliance reports by November 15 starting in 2027, and violations constitute unfair or deceptive trade practices subject to enforcement under Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.