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HB0807 modernizes Maryland’s state data governance structure within the Department of Information Technology. The bill creates a State Chief Data Officer and an Office of Enterprise Data, and assigns them responsibility for statewide data strategy, data standards, data sharing, data inventory management, and data literacy efforts across state government. It also requires each unit of state government to appoint an Agency Data Officer to coordinate with the State Chief Data Officer on governance, privacy, data quality, reporting, and the responsible use of personally identifiable information.
The bill also revises Maryland’s open data law by renaming the Council on Open Data as the Council for Open Data Advancement, reducing and restructuring its membership, and updating its duties. The Council’s role shifts toward advising on data initiatives and priorities, strengthening partnerships to connect state data with communities and social service organizations, and making recommendations on open data policy, records management, interoperability, and budget matters. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB0807 adds a new section to the State Finance and Procurement Article and amends provisions in the State Government Article governing open data. It creates new executive-branch data governance roles and obligations, including statewide oversight of data policies, privacy practices, data sharing, and AI-readiness, while requiring state agencies to designate internal data officers and follow statewide standards. It also changes the composition and responsibilities of the open data council and updates statutory definitions related to data, open data portals, and governmental entities.
The bill appears to have been received positively in the legislative process, as reflected by its committee report of favorable with amendments and adoption by the House. The available record does not include committee testimony or vote details, but the bill’s framing suggests broad support for improving state data management, security, and coordination. No recorded opposition or divided vote is shown in the materials provided.
The main policy tensions in the bill are likely to involve the scope of centralized data authority, privacy protections, and the administrative burden on state agencies. The bill requires agencies to appoint data officers, adopt privacy and risk-management programs, reduce unnecessary collection of personally identifiable information, and report metrics to the new office, which could raise concerns about staffing, compliance costs, and operational flexibility. Another possible point of discussion is the restructuring of the open data council and the shift toward more centralized, statewide data governance and AI readiness, which may prompt questions about implementation and agency autonomy.