Annapolis, Md. – Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association will testify Tuesday on six different bills before the Maryland House, including several on AI, chatbots, and pricing algorithms.
CCIA supports the goal of addressing unfair pricing practices and will request changes to HB 895 and HB 1475 involving the use of pricing algorithms. CCIA will ask that legislators distinguish between harmful surveillance-based pricing and common dynamic pricing practices that can help lower the prices consumers pay.
CCIA will oppose HB 883, a behavioral health AI bill; HB 1261, which contains broad definitions that sweep in devices beyond AI toys; and HB 1250, a generative AI bill that CCIA says conflicts with the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act. CCIA will ask for amendments to HB 952, an AI chatbot bill, including changing overly broad definitions and language that puts privacy at greater risk. CCIA will point out that mandating state-specific resources inadvertently undermines privacy by requiring operators to track the precise geolocation of minors’ devices. We suggest allowing more flexible referrals to national resources like the 988 line.
Several of the bills include private rights of action that would encourage a range of lawsuits and CCIA will ask that legislation instead be enforced by the Attorney General.
The following statement can be attributed to Megan Stokes, State Policy Director at CCIA, who will testify before the House Economic Matters Committee:
“Maryland lawmakers are right to examine unfair pricing practices, but the legislation currently risks banning everyday pricing strategies that help retailers respond to demand and offer lower prices to consumers. We’re asking for amendments to pricing practice legislative measures so lawmakers can protect consumers from predatory conduct, while maintaining a competitive and innovative retail marketplace.”
