MD SB571

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 and 200/20 Mbps for larger households, with at least 1.2 terabytes of data storage.

Low-income eligibility includes households qualifying for SNAP, Medicaid, free/reduced meals, Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, low-income energy assistance, or with annual income at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines.

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

Establishes a Broadband Affordability Advisory Board with members from the legislature, Governor's office, Attorney General, and broadband providers to define low-cost broadband service options for federal compliance under 47 U.S.C. § 1702.

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.