HB 477 modifies Maryland's evidence rules to allow certain out-of-court statements in assault in the second degree cases where the defendant caused the witness's unavailability. It permits such statements as evidence if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in wrongdoing to make the witness unavailable. The bill requires statements to have been given under oath, written and signed, or recorded verbatim, and mandates early notice to the defense about the statement's use. This directly affects criminal trials for assault in the second degree by expanding admissible evidence while adding procedural safeguards. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 785 establishes the process for Maryland to appoint a delegation of seven commissioners and an advisory committee to represent the state at an Article V constitutional convention if called by the required number of states. Commissioners must meet specific qualifications, including being a U.S. citizen and Maryland resident for at least five years, aged 25 or older, and registered voters, with restrictions on federal lobbying, employment, or criminal history. The bill requires the Maryland General Assembly to appoint the delegation via a joint resolution and outlines procedures for commissioners to take an oath, be recalled, or fill vacancies through the advisory committee. This framework ensures Maryland’s representation at such a convention adheres to defined standards and accountability measures.
This House Simple Resolution (HS 1) creates a legislative investigating committee to examine allegations of misconduct by state agencies involving federal funding. The committee will specifically investigate the Department of Transportation (for improperly charging $360 million in federal funds) and the Maryland Department of Health (for alleged SNAP payment errors), and may expand to other agencies with credible complaints. The committee, composed of eight House members (four Democrats appointed by the Speaker, four Republicans by the Minority Leader), has authority to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and gather evidence under existing law. It must submit a final report to the House of Delegates with findings and recommendations.
HB 979 proposes a constitutional amendment to Maryland's process for calling a state constitutional convention and adopting amendments. Currently, a majority of all voters (those who cast ballots) must support these measures. The bill would change this to require a majority of votes cast *on the question* (i.e., the votes actually cast for or against the convention or amendment) instead of a majority of all eligible voters. This change would lower the threshold for both calling a convention and approving amendments, as it bases the requirement on the votes cast rather than the total electorate.
This House Joint Resolution (HJ 9) is a formal statement by the Maryland General Assembly condemning violence against civilians and violations of international humanitarian law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, and Sudan. It specifically addresses ongoing crises involving mass civilian harm, displacement, and credible reports of war crimes and genocide risk, urging the U.S. government to take four concrete actions: secure immediate ceasefires, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, release unlawfully detained civilians, and support independent accountability mechanisms. The resolution does not create new laws but formally expresses Maryland’s position and urges federal action, emphasizing the protection of civilians and adherence to international law. It was introduced by multiple Maryland delegates and aligns with the state’s prior statements on global humanitarian crises.
This bill requires school principals to investigate every student fight or physical struggle by gathering witness statements, video evidence (if available), and input from all students involved. It prohibits school staff from disciplining students who, after investigation, more likely than not used reasonable force necessary to protect themselves or escape an attack. If a student was disciplined but later found to have acted in self-defense, the school must remove all related discipline records from their file. The law directly affects students involved in fights, school administrators, and the handling of disciplinary records in Maryland public schools.
HB 1208 authorizes Calvert County Commissioners to use revenue from payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements (effective October 1, 2026) to fund specific volunteer emergency services. It directs funds to designated organizations like volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, the Calvert Advanced Life Support Unit, and rescue dive teams, provided they submit annual budgets and maintain nonprofit status. The bill specifies that funds must cover equipment, facilities, and training for responders, and prohibits restricting response areas. It also requires recipient organizations to provide bonds ensuring funds are spent as intended.
HB 1003 establishes a 5-year pilot program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools to prepare students for careers as election officials. The bill requires the Anne Arundel County Board of Education and the State Board of Elections (with input from the State Department of Education) to develop this career and technical education program. It directly affects high school students in Anne Arundel County by offering training pathways into election administration roles. The program will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, after which it automatically ends without further legislative action.
HB 206 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Maryland's legislative structure. It would increase the Senate from 47 to 48 members and the House of Delegates from 141 to 144 members, effective for the 2033 legislative session. The bill also establishes staggered Senate elections: half the seats (24) would be elected every two years starting in 2034, while the other half would be elected every four years starting in 2036. Additionally, it requires a Delegate seeking election to the Senate to vacate their Delegate seat immediately after the legislative session before their term ends. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 general election.
HB 36 updates Maryland's legal terminology to replace outdated terms like "clergyman" with "member of the clergy" and "church" with "faith institution" or "place of worship" across multiple sections of the Annotated Code. It specifically revises references in laws covering alcohol permits (e.g., § 26-904), cemetery ownership (e.g., § 5-602), religious corporations (e.g., § 5-301), and other areas like health, labor, and property. The bill directly affects how state laws describe religious entities, ensuring consistent language that includes diverse faith groups (e.g., explicitly adding "Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu congregation" to the definition of "faith institution"). This is a procedural terminology update with no new policy changes or rights granted.
This House Joint Resolution (HJ 4) is a non-binding request urging the Social Services Administration (SSA) to improve oversight of children in guardianship. It directly affects approximately 24,000 children in Maryland’s care, citing specific audit failures like missed medical exams, delayed abuse investigations, and inadequate facility certifications. The resolution requires the SSA to strictly follow existing state laws and implement audit recommendations to protect children’s safety and well-being. It does not create new laws but formally calls for accountability based on documented systemic shortcomings.
HB 368 requires Prince George's County to provide an additional property tax credit for homeowners, supplementing Maryland's existing state credit. The credit reduces taxes based on income: 0% on the first $8,000, 4% on the next $4,000, 6.5% on the following $4,000, and 9% on income above $16,000. Homeowners must have combined income under $75,000 and net worth under $200,000 to qualify. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation administers the credit, and Prince George's County must reimburse the state for administrative costs. The law takes effect for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.
