MD SB853

Prohibits employees, contractors, and consultants of the Department of Economic Development, local governing bodies, and the General Assembly from entering into nondisclosure agreements with persons involved in economic development activities, including data center establishment or operations

Defines "data center" as a building or group of buildings used to house computer systems, storage equipment, and associated infrastructure for organizing, processing, storing, and disseminating large amounts of data

Expands the Public Information Act by classifying public service companies (as defined in the Public Utilities Article) as instrumentalities of the State, making their records subject to public records requests

Amends multiple sections of Maryland law including Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Economic Development, General Provisions, Local Government, State Government, and Transportation articles

Takes effect October 1, 2026