HB 1307 requires employers receiving $250,000 or more in state public funds under a single contract to agree they will not engage in unfair labor practices defined under federal law (29 U.S.C. §158) and acknowledge that violations may result in the state recapturing those funds. It directly affects large state contractors by linking funding eligibility to compliance with federal labor protections under the National Labor Relations Act. The bill authorizes the state to recapture funds for up to two years after disbursement if violations occur, and allows employees to file complaints with the Attorney General, who must investigate and may sue for damages including full fund recovery. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1161, the BPW Climate Transparency Act, requires Maryland state agencies to provide specific climate and sustainability details when submitting certain contracts (like construction, energy performance, and public-private partnerships) to the Board of Public Works for approval. Agencies must explain how these contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable practices, and compliance with green building standards. The Department of General Services will issue guidance to help agencies meet these requirements, and the information must be included on the Board's agenda for review. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 1183 creates a new "Manufacturer's Limited Beer, Wine, and Liquor Permit" specifically for Baltimore County. It allows manufacturers holding certain licenses (like Class 5 brewery licenses) to host private events where they may serve sealed beer, wine, or liquor products from other manufacturers - provided they partner with a licensed caterer or contracted party, avoid affiliations with that party, and get prior approval from the county Board of License Commissioners. The permit prohibits allowing public visitors to access private event areas during events and requires the Board to set annual fees and event approval criteria. This bill directly affects Baltimore County beverage manufacturers seeking to expand private event offerings under new county-specific rules, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 1515 prohibits noncompete and conflict of interest clauses in employment contracts for certain healthcare workers if their employer relocates most operations outside Maryland after the employee leaves. It specifically applies to:
- Employees earning ≤ $350,000 annually in licensed, direct patient care roles (or veterinary professionals),
- *or* employees of employers who previously had >30 in-state employees but later move most operations out of state.
For higher-earning healthcare workers ($350,000+), the bill limits noncompete terms to 1 year and a 10-mile geographic radius. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not apply to client/patient list restrictions.
HB 1524 requires employers with 15 or more employees in Maryland to provide parent employees with 20 hours of paid leave annually to attend school functions for their child enrolled in public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school. This includes events like parent-teacher conferences or school performances, with employees needing to submit proof within 48 hours after the event. Employers must pay at the employee’s regular rate and cannot force parents to use existing sick or vacation leave instead. The law applies to all qualifying employers, including government entities, and takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 737, the "Parental Accountability Act," requires Maryland juvenile courts to place children on probation (instead of out-of-home placement) if they’ve repeatedly committed specific offenses: violent acts (like crimes of violence or firearm use) or been adjudicated as habitually truant more than once. The probation must include a court-approved treatment service plan and mandate participation from the child’s parents, guardians, or custodians in rehabilitation services. This bill directly affects youth with repeat offenses in these categories and their families, shifting focus from confinement to structured support. It amends Maryland’s juvenile code to prioritize treatment plans over secure detention for qualifying cases, excluding minor offenses like first-time cannabis possession or technical violations.
SB 717 requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault evidence collection kits to forensic labs within 30 days of receipt, including all requested reference standards. This directly affects law enforcement agencies handling sexual assault cases in Maryland. The bill modifies existing law to clarify the 30-day deadline and specifies that kits must include all required reference standards for analysis. It does not change exceptions for non-submission (e.g., when evidence disproves assault or the victim declines consent), which remain unchanged under section (e). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1084 allows Montgomery County public schools to meet state education requirements by adhering to either a minimum number of school days or a minimum number of school hours - instead of both - during the school year. This bill amends Maryland’s education code specifically for Montgomery County, granting its Board of Education authority to choose this flexible approach. The change directly affects all Montgomery County public schools, which would no longer need to satisfy both the 180-day and 1,080-hour requirements simultaneously. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter requirements for other counties.
HB 949 requires Maryland landowners (including public land managers) to eradicate Palmer amaranth - a specific noxious weed - within two weeks of a Department of Agriculture order. The department must inspect infested land every two weeks until eradication is confirmed. Landowners face escalating fines: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent failures to comply. Penalties fund further noxious weed control efforts, with the bill taking effect October 1, 2026.
SB 613 requires Maryland's Department of Agriculture to inspect land for Palmer amaranth (a specific noxious weed) and issue a 2-week eradication order to landowners if found. Landowners must remove the weed using approved methods, with the Department inspecting the property every two weeks until eradication is confirmed. Violations of the order carry escalating penalties: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent violations. Funds from penalties will support broader noxious weed control efforts. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1317 requires Maryland state and local governments to annually report to the Attorney General on all data-sharing agreements with the federal government, starting January 1, 2027. The report must identify all agreements, check if they comply with privacy laws, and suggest fixes for non-compliant ones. The bill also prohibits state/local agencies from sharing specific personal information (including immigration status, religious beliefs, and biometric data) with federal entities unless required by law or court order. Additionally, it bans state/local governments from helping create or maintain federal registries based on race, national origin, or religious affiliation. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 842 changes how Maryland's Public Service Commission manages its staff by requiring it to create its own personnel system separate from state rules. It allows the Commission to hire independent contractors for expertise, mandates annual financial reports to the Budget Department, and alters compensation rules for employees. This directly affects Commission staff by changing their retirement credit eligibility, salary determination processes, and employment classification as permanent state employees. The bill also exempts the Commission from certain state procurement laws and tax rules applicable to other agencies.
