Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 204: Property Tax - Deadline to Set County and Municipal Corporation Tax Rates - Alteration

SB 204 changes the deadline for Maryland counties and municipal corporations to set their property tax rates for the next year, moving it from July 1 to June 1. This affects all local governments that determine annual property tax rates on assessed property within their jurisdiction. The bill amends two sections of Maryland law (§§ 6-302(a) and 6-303(a)) to reflect this new June 1 deadline, effective July 1, 2025. It does not alter tax amounts or create new tax policies, only the timing for setting rates.

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 516: Property Tax - Day Care Centers, Child Care Homes, and Child Care Centers

SB 516 exempts personal property used in qualifying large family child care homes from property tax under Maryland law (Section 7-227). It repeals outdated requirements for real property improvements to qualify for tax credits and increases the maximum annual property tax credit for eligible facilities from $3,000 to $10,000 (Section 9-213). Local governments (counties, Baltimore City, or municipalities) can now grant this credit against real property tax for portions of property used by registered large family child care homes, licensed child care centers, or day care centers for elderly/adults. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, applying to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 348: Criminal Law - Visual Surveillance With Prurient Intent - Modifications

SB 348 amends Maryland's criminal law to clarify and expand protections against surreptitious filming of people's private areas. It directly affects anyone who secretly films another person's genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast (below the areola) without consent in places where privacy is expected, such as residences, dressing rooms, or hotel rooms. Key changes include explicitly defining "private place" to include homes and adding specific examples like tanning rooms, while clarifying that "visual surveillance" covers camera use, mirrors, or direct observation. Violations are punishable by up to one year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both, and victims gain a civil right to sue for damages and attorney fees.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 581: Civil Actions - Tortious Injury to or Death of Pet - Compensatory Damages (Buddy's Law)

SB 581 (Buddy's Law) increases the maximum compensatory damages for pet owners when a pet is intentionally or negligently injured or killed. It raises the cap from $10,000 to $25,000, covering veterinary costs and the pet’s fair market value before death. The law directly affects pet owners in Maryland and individuals liable for harming pets (e.g., through negligent pet care or animal control). It takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies only to domesticated pets, excluding livestock.

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 142: Marriage - Confidential Communication

SB 142 amends Maryland law to clarify that "spouse" includes a former spouse regarding confidential communications during marriage. It specifically allows a spouse alleged to be the victim to disclose private talks they shared during marriage if their spouse is charged with a crime against them in a criminal case. The bill also ensures a spouse cannot be forced to testify about such confidential communications under this exception. This change directly affects married or formerly married individuals involved in criminal cases where one spouse is accused of harming the other.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 844: Maryland Self-Service Storage Act - Sale of Personal Property in Satisfaction of Lien - Notice Requirements

SB 844 amends Maryland's storage lien laws to strengthen notice requirements before self-service storage operators can sell a customer's stored property. It directly affects storage facility operators (who must follow new notice rules) and customers (who receive clearer warnings before their belongings are sold). Key provisions require operators to provide written notice detailing charges and a 14-day payment deadline via hand delivery, verified mail, or email (with strict prior consent for email), plus a second notice by mail if email isn't confirmed. The bill also mandates 3 days of public advertising for sales through local newspapers, email, or online. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 418: Carroll County - Prospective Employees and Volunteers - Criminal History Records Check

SB 418 expands Carroll County's ability to conduct criminal background checks on prospective employees and volunteers assigned to specific sensitive roles. The bill repeals previous restrictions, allowing the County's Department of Human Resources to request checks for positions involving inspections, permit approvals, work in key county offices (like Commissioners or Sheriff's office), handling money, or caring for minors. It directly affects individuals seeking these specific county roles. The law takes effect October 1, 2025. (3 sentences)

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 158: Estates and Trusts - Maryland Trust Decanting Act - Notification and Document Transmittal

This bill clarifies the required methods for notifying beneficiaries when a trust is "decanted" (restructured under Maryland's existing trust decanting law). It mandates that trust managers must deliver notice via personal delivery, certified mail, or courier service, with email or fax permitted only if beneficiaries agree in writing. The law ensures beneficiaries receive proper notice of trust changes and sets procedures for revoking alternative notice methods or switching to verified delivery if initial notice fails. It directly affects trust beneficiaries and fiduciaries managing trust assets under Maryland's Estates and Trusts code.

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 244: State Government - Information Technology - Cybersecurity Revisions

SB 244 revises Maryland's state cybersecurity framework by updating responsibilities for the Cyber Preparedness Unit (within the Department of Emergency Management) and the Office of Security Management (within the Department of Information Technology). It requires the Cyber Preparedness Unit to develop an online database of cybersecurity training resources and support local governments in creating response plans, while the Office of Security Management must establish standardized security categories for state information systems and address vulnerabilities. The bill also mandates a new report on statewide cybersecurity preparedness and clarifies the Secretary of Information Technology's role in overseeing state cybersecurity strategy. These changes directly affect all state agencies, local governments, and school systems that manage digital infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 621: Courtroom Security - Minimum Adequate Security

SB 621 establishes minimum security staffing requirements for all Maryland courthouses. It requires at least one court security officer per courtroom during most proceedings starting July 1, 2026, with two officers needed for cases involving incarcerated individuals or potential custody changes. The bill also mandates one additional officer for every four or fewer courtrooms per courthouse floor. Security agencies must report their current staffing, funding, and plans to meet these standards by September 30, 2025. The law directly affects all Maryland courthouses and the law enforcement entities responsible for courtroom security.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 334: Criminal Law - Crimes of Malicious or Fraudulent Burning - Prohibitions and Penalties

SB 334 prohibits intentionally setting fires (malicious or fraudulent burning) that cause death or serious injury to firefighters. It directly affects individuals who commit such acts, making it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill adds specific language to Maryland’s criminal code clarifying that harming firefighters during fire-related crimes carries enhanced penalties. Sentences under this law may run separately from sentences for the original fire offense. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 22, 2025

SB 285: Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act - Reports of Attorney General - Frequency

SB 285 revises Maryland's reporting requirement for the Attorney General regarding recovery efforts tied to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. It changes the current monthly reporting obligation to a biannual (every six months) schedule, starting July 1, 2024, and continuing until all recovery efforts are resolved. This applies specifically to reports on pursuing economic damages from the bridge collapse and port closure. The amendment takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Bill results