HB 1157 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to annually report detailed data on mental health and substance use coverage to the Insurance Commissioner using a standardized template. This data includes access to services by facility type (e.g., outpatient, inpatient), provider type (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists), and demographics (e.g., youth vs. adult, in-person vs. telehealth), along with network accuracy and availability. The Commissioner must make this data publicly accessible via a website with interactive dashboards. The law directly affects all health insurance companies offering plans in Maryland, aiming to improve transparency about coverage gaps in mental health care.
HB 1045 modifies Maryland’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) by adding a restriction on sharing prescription data with federal law enforcement. Specifically, it amends Section 21-2A-06(b)(4) of the Maryland Annotated Code to prohibit disclosure to federal agencies unless the data does not involve "sensitive health services" designated by the new Protected Health Care Commission. This Commission, established under Section 4-310, will identify health services (like reproductive care) where data sharing could risk patient safety or privacy. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and patients whose data might be monitored, particularly for sensitive health services, by requiring a review before federal disclosure.
HB 129 requires nonprofits receiving at least 50% of their annual funding from specific public sources - including state/local grants, capital budgets, or local impact grants - to report funding amounts and usage to Maryland's Comptroller. This applies to IRS 501(c) exempt organizations operating in Maryland that meet the funding threshold. Nonprofits must submit these reports annually, and the Comptroller will summarize the data for the General Assembly by January 31 each year. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to standardize reporting on public funding for transparency.
HB 307 modifies the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund by directing the Comptroller to administer the Fund under the Office of Social Equity’s guidance instead of previous oversight. It requires counties to consult with the Office when adjusting their fund distribution plans and clarifies that county expenditures from the Fund must be supplemental (not replacing) existing local programs. The bill also updates reporting requirements and reaffirms that Fund money cannot fund law enforcement or supplant other public services. These changes aim to align Fund administration with social equity goals while maintaining its focus on community-based initiatives like housing, job training, and behavioral health services in historically impacted areas.
This bill allows certain retail grocery stores inside Prince George's County's Capital Beltway to obtain licenses for selling beer and beer-and-wine. Specifically, independently owned stores or chains operating under the same brand name that sell a full range of food across at least six categories can apply for Class A beer or beer-and-wine licenses. It modifies existing law to exempt these grocery establishments from the standard rule prohibiting multiple alcohol licenses, meaning they can hold this new license without violating other licensing restrictions. This change directly affects qualifying grocery stores in the designated area of Prince George's County.
HB 344 requires Maryland gas stations to clearly display the standard price (without conditions) for motor fuel more prominently than any conditional price (e.g., membership discounts or payment method requirements). It mandates that all price signs must be at least 8 inches high, show both credit/debit and cash prices if different, and avoid fractional cent displays that could confuse customers. The bill directly affects all retail service stations selling gasoline or diesel in Maryland, requiring them to comply with these signage rules or face penalties assessed by the Comptroller. It also specifies that sign suppliers must provide new signs at no cost to gas stations. The law supersedes conflicting local signage rules.
SB 824 modifies Maryland’s vehicle licensing laws to allow electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and distributors to operate as dealers without needing a franchise from another company. It creates a specific pathway for EV manufacturers/distributors that only sell battery-electric or nonfossil-fuel vehicles, provided they have no existing dealers in Maryland, are not affiliated with other manufacturers that have franchised dealers, and meet ownership requirements. The bill limits this special licensing to no more than four entities and requires applicants to prove compliance with these conditions to the state administration. This directly affects EV-focused companies seeking to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Maryland.
HB 1227 authorizes Prince George’s County to install crosswalk monitoring systems in school zones to detect drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. It establishes that drivers recorded violating this rule may receive citations and face civil penalties, with fines collected directly by the county for uncontested cases. The bill also prohibits contractors administering these systems from being paid based on violation counts and specifies that penalties for violations recorded by crosswalk systems follow the same procedures as other traffic monitoring systems under Maryland law. This applies specifically to school zone crosswalks in Prince George’s County.
This bill requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct at least two unannounced on-site inspections annually at each certified recovery residence to verify compliance with health and safety standards. If deficiencies are found, the residence must correct them within one month after receiving notice. Failure to correct issues within this period allows the Department to direct the credentialing entity to revoke the residence's certification. The bill directly affects certified recovery residences (facilities providing housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders) and the Department of Health's oversight process.
SB 951 establishes a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Maryland under the State Board of Physicians. It requires AAs to obtain a license before practicing, mandating graduation from an accredited program and passing a certification exam. The bill defines strict supervision rules, requiring AAs to work under a physician anesthesiologist who must be physically available for urgent care and involved in critical procedures. The State Board of Physicians will set licensing fees, renewal processes, continuing education requirements, and enforcement procedures for AAs.
SB 923 creates three new state funds to promote solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and zero-emission vehicles in Maryland. Each fund will be financed through a fee-based marketing program (a "checkoff" where industry participants pay small contributions) to support statewide promotion efforts. The funds are permanent (nonlapsing) and will retain all interest earnings instead of transferring them to the state general fund. Advisory councils, made up of industry representatives and state officials, will manage the funds and guide marketing initiatives for these technologies.
SB 722 establishes a temporary task force to study whether Maryland should allow not-for-profit funeral homes - businesses that operate without seeking profit - to serve the public. The task force, composed of appointed members including legislative leaders, funeral industry representatives, and specialists from African American, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities, will analyze current licensing data, reasons for denied applications, and similar laws in other states. It will specifically assess the feasibility, necessity, and potential impact of permitting such not-for-profit services in Maryland. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2026, and the bill expires automatically on September 30, 2027.
