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Sen. Kevin M. Harris seeks to extend federal loudness rules to streaming services in Maryland
Summary
Sen. Kevin M. Harris told the Economic Matters Committee SB 528 would extend protections similar to the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act to ad-supported streaming platforms and give enforcement authority to the Maryland Attorney General to address excessive commercial volume on streaming services.
Sen. Kevin M. Harris presented Senate Bill 528 to close a regulatory gap that leaves streaming platforms outside the protections of the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM). "As more Maryland households transition from traditional cable television to ad-supported streaming services, consumers are increasingly subject to abrupt and disruptive increases in volume when commercial advertisement begins," Sen. Harris said.
Harris said the bill would require streaming platforms operating in Maryland to ensure commercial audio levels are consistent with the program audio and that the measure mirrors existing federal standards rather than creating a distinct Maryland technical standard. He explained that enforcement would be at the state level, with complaints routed to the Attorney General's office rather than the Federal Communications Commission.
Committee members asked whether the bill merely mirrors the federal standard and how the state approach would align with FCC language. The sponsor said the measure is designed to mirror the federal framework and provide clarity and a state enforcement path for Marylanders. The committee concluded the SB 528 hearing with no further witnesses.
