HB 1152 requires landlords of residential rental properties in Maryland to publicly disclose their pet policies in specific ways. Landlords must provide a link to the policy on the property’s website, in digital advertisements, and in rental search engine listings, plus include a written summary in rental applications. The disclosure must detail breed/weight restrictions, all fees (upfront, deposits, monthly), pet limits, vaccination requirements, insurance needs, and other landlord-specific rules. This directly affects landlords of residential rentals and their prospective tenants who own pets. The bill amends Maryland’s real property code to implement these transparency requirements, effective October 1, 2025.
HB 1293 establishes a Neighborhood Services Unit within Baltimore City’s Office of the Sheriff to enforce local alcoholic beverage laws. It requires this unit to partner with Baltimore City’s Board of License Commissioners, formalizing their roles through a required memorandum of understanding (codified in Sections 2-316.1 and 12-2605 of Maryland law). The bill redirects revenue from certain court surcharges - specifically 10% of fees from civil cases like tenant disputes - to fund the unit’s operations and enhance sheriff services. This creates a new structural partnership for alcohol law enforcement in Baltimore City, effective October 1, 2025.
SB 372, the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025, permanently extends current rules allowing audio-only telephone calls to count as "telehealth" for reimbursement purposes under Maryland's Medicaid program and private insurers. The bill repeals the June 30, 2025, expiration date for this provision in Maryland law, making it permanent. It directly affects the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, private health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that cover telehealth services. The key change is ensuring these entities must continue reimbursing for audio-only telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person care, without requiring video technology, for covered health services.
HB 580 updates outdated terminology in Maryland law by replacing "Maryland State Firemen’s Association" with "Maryland State Firefighters Association" across multiple statutes. It specifically amends references in sections covering courts, education, health, labor, public safety, tax, and transportation laws. The bill does not change any policies or programs but ensures legal documents consistently use the modernized name for the association. This affects how the association is referenced in state law but does not alter its responsibilities or funding.
HB 4 prohibits community associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions on solar collector systems that increase installation costs by 5% or reduce energy efficiency by 10% compared to the original plan. It directly affects property owners installing rooftop or exterior solar systems and community associations managing residential developments. The bill allows associations to restrict installations in common areas with reasonable rules but requires property owners to provide documentation from certified solar specialists to challenge cost/efficiency impacts. It also permits associations to install solar systems in common areas if not otherwise prohibited by law.
HB 163 creates a permit for out-of-state dealers of motor homes and recreational vehicles to display their vehicles at shows in Worcester County, but only if the dealer’s home state allows Maryland dealers to show there. The permit allows dealers to exhibit vehicles at these events but explicitly prohibits taking buyer orders or deposits. Dealers must file a bond with the Motor Vehicle Administration after approval, and the bond remains active until all permit conditions are met. The bill establishes a new administrative process for the MVA to issue, manage, and potentially revoke these permits.
SB 968 allows the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to enter agreements with volunteers for using motor vehicles and motorized equipment within Howard County's Patuxent River Wildland. This specifically permits maintenance of existing paths to ensure safe access, creating an exception to the general prohibition on motorized equipment in wildlife areas. The bill directly affects the Patuxent River Wildland area, the Department of Natural Resources, and volunteer participants in path maintenance. It modifies existing law (Section 5-1212 of the Natural Resources code) by adding this limited exception for path upkeep, without changing other restrictions on motorized use. The policy change is purely procedural, authorizing specific maintenance activities under defined conditions.
SB 40 allows towing companies and police departments to send electronic notices to vehicle owners about towed, removed, or abandoned vehicles through Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), instead of relying solely on paper mail. Towing businesses must provide electronic notices using the owner’s MVA-registered email address, with certified mail as backup if the owner doesn’t respond within 7 days. This applies to owners, insurers, and lienholders who have provided contact details to the MVA. The bill updates vehicle towing laws to modernize notice requirements while maintaining paper-mail options. It directly affects towing businesses, law enforcement, and vehicle owners in Maryland.
HB 1371, the Maryland Mobile ID Enhancement Act, allows drivers to use electronic credentials (mobile IDs) instead of physical licenses when renting vehicles in Maryland. It directly affects renters (including nonresidents with compatible mobile IDs from states with agreements) and rental companies, which must verify the electronic credential matches the driver's identity and license status. Key provisions require the Motor Vehicle Administration to create verified electronic credentials and mandate rental companies to confirm the mobile ID's validity through electronic means, including matching signatures and physical descriptions. The bill does not change general driver's license rules but specifically enables mobile IDs for vehicle rental transactions starting October 1, 2025.
HB 861 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) to provide drivers and passengers with an itemized digital receipt immediately after each ride. The receipt must show the passenger’s total payment, the driver’s earnings from that payment, and any additional fees charged. Additionally, companies must report annual data to Maryland’s Public Service Commission by February 1st, including the number of drivers working full-time, part-time, or over 40 hours weekly, median driver pay, and demographic information about drivers (including those deactivated). This bill directly affects ride-hailing companies, their drivers, and passengers in Maryland, aiming to increase transparency in fare breakdowns and workforce data.
SB 50 renames the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau to "Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Inc." for all legal and administrative references. The bill updates specific sections of Maryland law (Article 20, Section 603) to reflect this new name, including provisions related to how hotel tax revenue is distributed. This change affects the organization itself, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (which receives separate hotel tax funds), and county/city officials who receive annual reports on fund usage. The bill does not alter funding percentages, reporting requirements, or the organization's responsibilities.
HB 469 renames the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau to "Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Inc." throughout Maryland law. The bill updates legal references in the Local Government Article (specifically Section 20-603) to reflect this new name, affecting how the organization is identified in statutes governing hotel tax revenue distribution. The renaming does not change existing funding mechanisms - Anne Arundel County and Annapolis still allocate 17% of hotel tax revenue to this entity for tourism promotion, as previously specified. The bill ensures all future legal references and reporting requirements correctly identify the organization by its new name.
