HB 19, the "Building Opportunities for Nurses Act of 2025," updates Maryland's nursing loan repayment program to directly assist registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nursing support staff (like certified medication technicians) who are repaying student loans. The bill changes the program's name to focus solely on nurses, modifies some nursing education requirements for licensure, and removes a requirement for the State Board of Nursing to approve training sites within a specific timeframe. It also extends the program's deadline for operations (delaying its automatic expiration under the Sunset Law) and prolongs tax credit deadlines for nursing preceptorship programs. These changes aim to simplify program administration while maintaining support for nursing professionals seeking to reduce student debt.
HB 1080 establishes paid disaster service leave for employees of Maryland counties and municipalities. It allows eligible employees - such as certified American Red Cross volunteers or members of volunteer fire/rescue teams - to take up to 15 days of paid leave annually for disaster response, with prior approval required. During prolonged disasters, local governments may waive approval requirements or increase the leave limit if it benefits the public. The bill specifically targets government employees in emergency response roles, ensuring they can serve without losing pay during declared disasters.
HB 412 requires Maryland's local election boards and canvassing boards to post meeting agendas, public testimony, and materials for votes online at least 48 hours before meetings (or as soon as possible in emergencies). It mandates live video streaming of all public meetings, except for off-site visits, project inspections, or site visits, and requires maintaining unedited video archives for five years. These rules apply directly to local election boards handling absentee ballots and canvassing boards overseeing vote counting. The bill aims to increase public transparency in election administration by making meeting details and proceedings more accessible.
SB 695 changes the membership of Maryland's Uninsured Employers' Fund Board from 3 to 5 members, requiring two with insurance company experience, one with accounting/finance expertise, one as a workers' compensation policyholder, and one representing the public. It mandates the Board "shall" establish reserves to cover potential fund losses (previously allowed but not required). The bill directly affects the oversight of the Uninsured Employers' Fund, which provides benefits to workers when employers fail to carry required insurance. These changes aim to strengthen fund management and accountability through specific board composition and mandatory reserve requirements.
HB 1007, the Genetic Testing Protection Act, prohibits life, disability, and long-term care insurance companies in Maryland from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or limiting benefits based on an applicant’s or policyholder’s genetic test results or requests for genetic testing. It directly affects individuals seeking or holding these insurance policies who undergo genetic testing. The bill blocks insurers from using genetic information (defined as test results not for diagnosis or therapy) to make coverage decisions, while allowing them to review standard medical records or diagnoses. It explicitly excludes routine blood tests, drug screenings, and family medical history (unless tied to genetic testing) from the prohibition. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
SB 915 updates Maryland vehicle law to require police enforcement of traffic rules (like speed limits and parking) on private roadways within Baltimore County residential subdivisions and communities. It directly affects residents of these neighborhoods by removing the previous exemption that allowed traffic law violations on such private roads. The key change modifies sections 11-205(c) and 21-101.1(b)(1) of the Maryland Vehicle Law to explicitly authorize police enforcement on these residential private roadways. This takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 888 modifies Maryland's requirements for initial teacher certification by adding a portfolio-based assessment option. Starting July 1, 2025, new teachers must either pass this portfolio assessment (evaluating teaching ability through a nationally accredited program) or complete a 3-year school district induction program, in addition to existing requirements like subject exams and literacy tests. The bill directly affects all individuals seeking their first teaching certificate in Maryland. It replaces previous certification pathways with this new assessment method, aiming to evaluate teaching skills through practical demonstration rather than solely standardized testing.
SB 41 adds the Comptroller (or their designee) as a new permanent member to the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Board. This bill amends the existing membership structure under Maryland's Labor and Employment Code, replacing the prior numbering and inserting the Comptroller as a dedicated seat alongside the State Treasurer and Secretary of Labor. The change directly affects the board's composition but does not alter the board's purpose or the retirement savings program it oversees.
SB 259 requires Maryland local election boards to submit a comprehensive "election plan" to the State Board of Elections for approval at least seven months before each statewide primary election. The plan must include a polling place plan (with specific requirements for maintaining or reducing locations, including impact analyses on disenfranchised communities), a ballot drop box plan (considering accessibility and distribution), an early voting center plan (accounting for accessibility and equitable placement), and an analysis to maximize voter participation. The State Board must approve plans that comply with these requirements and do not negatively affect access for historically disenfranchised communities. This bill directly affects local election boards and county-level election administration processes.
HB 494, the "Recreational Equality for Service Members Act," removes fees for active military service members and veterans at Maryland state parks, including for vehicles occupied by them. It also ensures fishing licenses in tidal waters don’t expire during active duty deployment and extends fee exemptions to include more service members under updated definitions. The bill broadens the definition of "veteran" to cover members of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, aligning with federal standards. These changes directly affect active service members, veterans, and their families by improving access to recreational opportunities. The law modifies multiple sections of Maryland’s natural resources and state government codes to implement these policy updates.
SB 451 requires Maryland's Department of Labor to allow adult learners to take all components of the General Educational Development (GED) exam in their preferred language, rather than only in English. This directly affects adults seeking high school diplomas through examination, particularly non-native English speakers and English language learners under 21 with interrupted education. The bill also mandates the Department to study offering the exam in additional languages and report findings to legislative committees by December 2026. These changes aim to make the diploma-by-examination process more accessible for diverse language learners.
HB 265 modifies eligibility for Maryland's Dent-Care Program, which provides loan assistance to dentists and dental hygienists. It requires applicants to work part-time or full-time (previously only full-time), treat at least 30% Maryland Medical Assistance Program patients annually, and establishes prorated grant amounts for part-time participants. The bill also directs the Maryland Insurance Administration to study dental insurance carriers' use of online credentialing systems and report findings by December 1, 2025. These changes directly affect dentists and dental hygienists seeking program participation.
