Maryland Bills

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HJ 7: Anti-Nuclear Proliferation Resolution (Back from the Brink Act)

This is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with enforceable policy changes. Maryland's General Assembly formally joins other states (like California and Oregon) and local jurisdictions in endorsing the "Back from the Brink" initiative. It urges Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and asks the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution expresses concern about nuclear risks but does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities.

Dana Stein (D) Joe Vogel (D) Julie Palakovich Carr (D) Nicole Williams (D) Charlotte Crutchfield (D)

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1354: State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners - Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants

HB 1354 expands Maryland's expedited licensing process to include veterinary technicians and assistants who are already licensed in another state, mirroring the existing process for veterinarians. It requires the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to establish two key credit mechanisms: time spent as a veterinary technician counts toward becoming a licensed veterinarian, and time as a veterinary assistant counts toward veterinary technician registration. The bill applies directly to licensed veterinary professionals moving to Maryland from other states with similar reciprocity agreements. The Board may only grant expedited authorization if the applicant's home state offers comparable licensing pathways for Maryland professionals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1342: Agriculture - Controlled-Environment and Hydroponic Agriculture

HB 1342 creates a new Maryland Controlled-Environment and Hydroponic Agriculture Program Fund to provide grants for farmers establishing or expanding indoor or water-based farming facilities. It requires the Department of Agriculture to create a centralized online portal with permitting and licensing information for these farms, and mandates local governments to adopt zoning rules allowing such agriculture in urban areas. The bill also sets procurement targets for state agencies to buy food from certified local farms using these methods and permanently increases funding for the existing Urban Agriculture Water and Power Infrastructure Grant Fund. These changes directly affect hydroponic and controlled-environment farmers, community colleges offering workforce training, and local zoning authorities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1315: Department of the Environment - Vessel-Based Microplastic Particle Removal Technologies - Study

HB 1315 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment, with input from the Department of Natural Resources, to study vessel-based technologies that capture or remove microplastic particles in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The study will identify specific technologies (like filters using boat engine cooling systems, vessel-mounted filtration, and floating systems), assess their effectiveness, environmental impacts, costs, and practicality for use on recreational, commercial, and state vessels. It will also evaluate how these technologies could integrate with existing water quality programs and explore potential incentives for adoption. This study aims to inform future decisions about addressing microplastic pollution but does not mandate any new regulations or technology implementation.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1314: Natural Resources - Chesapeake Bay Trust - Urban Trees Program

HB 1314 makes permanent an annual $10 million state funding requirement for Maryland's Urban Trees Program, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The program plants native trees in underserved areas - defined as historically redlined neighborhoods or communities with high unemployment, poverty, or housing challenges - to improve environmental health. Qualified organizations (like nonprofits, schools, or local governments) can apply for grants to implement tree-planting projects, with priority given to initiatives led by or engaging residents in those target areas. The bill also requires the Trust to report annually on funded projects, including locations and tree counts, to state environmental agencies. This ensures consistent, community-focused tree planting as a permanent part of state environmental policy.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1349: Public Service Commission - Implementation Plan to Convert Formerly Operational Fossil Fuel Generating Stations

HB 1349 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to develop a plan converting formerly operational fossil fuel power plants to natural gas facilities. The plan must include feasibility studies, cost assessments, solutions for legal/engineering barriers, a conversion timeline balancing costs and reliability, and draft legislation needed for implementation. The Commission must gather input from energy agencies, utilities, local governments, and advocacy groups through a public stakeholder process. The final plan must be submitted to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects the Public Service Commission and indirectly impacts utility companies, ratepayers, and communities hosting former fossil fuel plants.

Topics ✗ Energy

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1412: Natural Resources - Crabs - Requirements and Prohibited Acts

HB 1412 prohibits licensed crab harvesters from selling cooked hard or soft crabs or crab meat (except for direct sales to consumers under "local family trade" rules) and bans seafood dealers and mobile vendors from purchasing cooked crab from harvesters without a seafood dealer license. It requires mobile vendors to obtain a seafood dealer license and mandates all seafood dealers and vendors to comply with Maryland Department of Health health requirements. The bill directly affects crab harvesters, seafood dealers, and mobile seafood vendors by changing sales rules for cooked crab products. Key provisions include banning certain sales transactions, mandating licenses for vendors, and ensuring health compliance for all crab-related sales.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1531: Maryland Helping Everyone Afford Life-Saving Treatments and Health Care (HEALTH) Fund - Establishment

HB 1531 establishes the Maryland HEALTH Fund to help individuals cover costs for legally protected health care services under state law, especially where federal restrictions apply. The fund is financed by redirecting $20 million annually from abandoned property sales proceeds (starting fiscal year 2027), plus new premium taxes and portions of sales/use and property tax revenues. It directly assists Maryland residents needing life-saving treatments who face coverage gaps due to federal limitations. The bill creates a dedicated, nonlapsing fund to ensure consistent funding for these health care costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 843: Net Energy Metering, SUNRISE Program, and Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program (SUNRISE Act)

SB 843 establishes the SUNRISE Program as the replacement for Maryland’s net energy metering system, directly affecting low- and moderate-income households and community solar subscribers. It requires electric companies to implement the SUNRISE Program through specific tariffs, create a statewide capacity reservation system for solar projects, and guarantee electric bill savings for eligible households. The bill also mandates that community solar programs must meet specific low-income participation requirements and allows certain customers to opt out of enrollment. Administered by the Office of Home Energy Programs or local agencies, the law updates reporting requirements and ensures dedicated capacity blocks for qualifying households.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 787: Maryland Economic Development Corporation - Major Information Technology Development Projects - Project Management

SB 787 authorizes Maryland’s Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to serve as the primary project manager for major state information technology development projects meeting specific criteria, such as costing $5 million or more or supporting critical public services like health, safety, or education. The bill requires MEDC to collaborate with state agencies and vendors on defining project scope, managing budgets/schedules, mitigating risks, ensuring transparency, and delivering projects successfully. MEDC must identify a pilot project for this role by a specified date and evaluate alternative financing options for qualifying projects. This change directly affects state agencies managing large-scale IT initiatives, shifting project management responsibilities to MEDC while maintaining existing funding structures.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 974: Electricity and Gas - Retail Supply (Freedom From Monopolies Act)

HB 974 removes several existing regulatory requirements for electricity and gas suppliers in Maryland. It repeals rules about licensing energy salespersons, residential supplier terms, and reporting obligations, while modifying how electric cooperatives and standard offer service operate. The bill also changes the name and purpose of the "Education and Protection Fund" to better support customer education about energy choices. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for suppliers, potentially increasing competition in the retail energy market for residential customers. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy salespersons, and residential customers seeking alternative energy providers.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 1246: Maryland Department of Health - Employment Training and Opportunity Database

HB 1246 requires the Maryland Department of Health to create and maintain a public database listing job training and employment programs across the state. This database will help individuals qualify for or maintain eligibility for Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by connecting them directly to relevant training opportunities. Key provisions include monthly updates to the database, coordination with agencies like the Department of Labor and Human Services to recommend programs, and a direct contact mechanism for users to enroll in listed programs. The bill aims to streamline access to workforce development resources for residents seeking to improve their economic stability while qualifying for state assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results