HB 829 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

HB 829 requires drivers applying for for-hire or transportation network operator licenses (like Uber/Lyft drivers) in Maryland to complete human trafficking awareness training. The training must cover recognizing trafficking victims, responding appropriately, and connecting victims with resources. Licensed drivers who report suspected trafficking in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. This applies to taxi drivers, for-hire drivers, and transportation network operators seeking new or renewed licenses.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026

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What changed between versions

Third - Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability → Enrolled - Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability · 3 edits · Apr 28, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized as an Enrolled Bill, moving it from the House stage to the Governor for signature. Substantively, the requirements for human trafficking awareness training were moved from the initial application phase to the background check phase, ensuring the training is verified as part of the Commission's review of an applicant's criminal and driving history before a license is issued.

Scope change

The scope of applicability remains unchanged, continuing to apply to for-hire drivers and transportation network operators seeking licenses in Maryland.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement to submit proof of human trafficking awareness training was relocated from the initial application submission to the background check verification stage, aligning it with the criminal and driving record checks.

Minor formatting adjustments were made to the list of required background checks, including the removal of specific bracketed text regarding criminal record checks.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was renumbered and formatted to reflect its status as an Enrolled Bill, preparing it for the Governor's signature.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 21, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026

How they voted

40–0

Passed · 9 other

Total votes 49

Mar 21, 2026

D Democratic36

27 Yea 9

75% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 28, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 279

executive

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Enrolled

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Introduced

House Concurs Senate Amendments

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Mar 24, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (131-1-10)

house of delegates

Mar 21, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (40-0-9)

senate

Mar 20, 2026

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

10 primary · 0 co-sponsors