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Maryland Code, State Government § 10-1501

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Council” means the Council on Open Data.

(c)(1) “Data” means final versions of statistical or factual information that:

(i) are in alphanumeric or geospatial form reflected in a list, table, graph, chart, map, or other nonnarrative format that can be digitally transmitted or processed;

(ii) are regularly created or maintained by or on behalf of a governmental entity; and

(iii) record a measurement, transaction, or determination or provide information on government services, initiatives, and resources related to the mission of the covered governmental entity.

(2) “Data” does not include draft versions of statistical or factual information that are used for internal analysis by a governmental entity.

(d) “Data portal” means a website where governmental entities can post data sets and other data as identified by the Council.

(e) “Data set” means a named collection of related records maintained on a storage device, with the collection containing data organized or formatted in a specific or prescribed way.

(f) “Governmental entity” means a State or local entity.

(g)(1) “Local entity” means a county, municipal corporation, bicounty or multicounty agency, public authority, special taxing district, or other political subdivision or unit of a political subdivision of this State.

(2) “Local entity” includes boards of education and library boards that receive funding from the State.

(h) “Mapping and geographic information systems portal” means a website that provides:

(1) data regarding services provided by and policy initiatives of governmental entities; and

(2) other data provided in geospatial form as identified by the Council.

(i)(1) “Open data” means data that, consistent with any applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, policies, or other restrictions including requirements or rights associated with the data, a State entity:

(i) has collected; and

(ii) is permitted, required, or able to make available to the public.

(2) “Open data” includes contractual or other legal orders, restrictions, or requirements.

(3) “Open data” does not include data that if made public would:

(i) violate another law or regulation that prohibits the data from being made public;

(ii) endanger the public health, safety, or welfare;

(iii) hinder the operation of government, including criminal and civil investigations;

(iv) impose an undue financial, operational, or administrative burden on a State entity; or

(v) disclose proprietary or confidential information.

(j) “Open data portal” means a mapping and geographic information systems portal or data portal.

(k) “State entity” means a department, a board, a commission, an agency, or a subunit in the Executive Branch of State government.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, State Government § 10-1501 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/state-government/md-code-state-govt-sect-10-1501/

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