SB 803 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Alcoholic Beverages - Class 3 Wineries and Class 4 Limited Wineries - Alterations

SB 803 allows Class 3 wineries (larger operations) to purchase bulk wine directly from Class 4 limited wineries (smaller operations), and permits Class 4 wineries to sell bulk wine to Class 3 wineries. This changes existing Maryland law by adding specific provisions to the licensing rules for these two winery types, enabling direct bulk wine transactions between them. The bill updates Sections 2-205(b)(3) and 2-206(c)(1)(III) of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis article in the Maryland Annotated Code. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects wineries holding these specific licenses.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

Third - Alcoholic Beverages - Class 3 Wineries and Class 4 Limited Wineries - Bulk Wine and Pomace Brandy → Enrolled - Alcoholic Beverages - Class 3 Wineries and Class 4 Limited Wineries - Alterations · 2 edits · May 26, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized as an enrolled act, moving it from a draft stage to one ready for the Governor's signature. The primary substantive change is the addition of a new provision allowing the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners to issue Class D beer, wine, and liquor licenses to holders of Class 3 winery licenses under specific circumstances. The definitions for 'pomace brandy' and the operational rules for Class 3 and Class 4 wineries remain consistent with the previous draft.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include a new eligibility pathway for Class 3 wineries to obtain Class D beer, wine, and liquor licenses in Montgomery County.

ELIGIBILITY

Authorized the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners to issue Class D beer, wine, and liquor licenses to holders of Class 3 winery licenses under certain conditions.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill header and explanatory notes to reflect its status as an enrolled bill, including the addition of the Great Seal and Governor's presentation language.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 27, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 30, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Mar 27, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% 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

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 862

executive

Apr 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Enrolled

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Introduced

Senate Concurs House Amendments

upper

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 30, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (136-0-6)

house of delegates

Mar 27, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (45-0-4)

senate

Mar 13, 2026

Committee

Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

First Reading Finance

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors