This bill extends the maximum time the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) can maintain emergency toll adjustments without full public review. It modifies Section 4-312(a) of Maryland law to increase the duration allowed for emergency status determinations, enabling the MDTA to implement temporary toll, fee, or charge changes more quickly during urgent situations. The change specifically affects the MDTA's ability to bypass standard public comment periods for emergency adjustments related to bond agreements or operational continuity. It does not alter actual toll amounts or create new fees - only the timeframe for emergency adjustments under existing law.
SB 197 amends Maryland law to add the Director of the Division of Parole and Probation (within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services) as a new voting member of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission. This changes the commission's membership structure from 12 to 13 members, explicitly including this parole and probation leadership position. The bill directly affects the Commission's composition and decision-making process by ensuring representation from the parole and probation division. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.
SB 245 requires Maryland municipalities to submit copies of annexation resolutions (with new boundaries) to the Department of Planning within 10 days of the resolution taking effect, in addition to existing recipients like county clerks and the Department of Legislative Services. This bill directly affects municipalities that annex new territory by expanding their administrative notification requirements. The key provision amends Maryland’s local government code to formally include the Department of Planning in the list of entities that must receive these annexation documents. Municipalities must now ensure the Department of Planning has access to annexation records, which will be kept on file and available for public inspection. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.
SB 217 extends the expiration dates for several Maryland health occupations boards and committees, preventing their automatic termination under sunset law. It updates the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners' membership from seven to nine members (six licensed therapists and three consumer members) and extends the termination dates for all covered boards to 2030 or 2031. The bill also specifies that initial terms for newly appointed massage therapy board members will expire in 2030. These changes directly affect the boards overseeing audiology, massage therapy, pharmacy, counseling, and behavior analysis professions. The legislation maintains existing regulatory authority without altering professional practice standards.
SB 775 establishes a temporary workgroup to study expanding Maryland's 3-1-1 nonemergency phone system statewide. The workgroup includes state agency representatives (like Emergency Management and Information Technology), county/municipal safety officials, and industry stakeholders. It will review existing 3-1-1 services, best practices from other states, and potential solutions for implementing a statewide system, including a virtual portal. The group must report findings to the Governor and Legislature by November 1, 2025, and the bill expires on June 30, 2026. This bill does not create a new system but focuses solely on research and recommendations.
SB 730 repeals the Charles County Gaming Permit Review Board and transfers its duties - including reviewing gaming permits, approving or denying applications, and maintaining records - to the Charles County Attorney. This bill directly affects the board’s seven members (including county law enforcement and community representatives), fundraising organizations seeking gaming permits, and the County Attorney, who will now handle all permit-related processes. The change simplifies oversight by removing a dedicated board and placing responsibility with the County Attorney’s office.
SB 199 changes which state agency pays for sexual assault exams and medical treatment for victims in Maryland. It transfers responsibility from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy for reimbursing physicians, healthcare providers, and hospitals. The bill ensures victims receive these services without charge and protects their privacy by prohibiting providers from including offense details or victim photos in reimbursement requests. Healthcare providers must verify services to the new agency instead of the old board, while victims retain the right to decline sharing personal information for payment without affecting their care. The law takes effect June 1, 2025.
SB 196 clarifies that fees collected from bidders or contractors for electronic procurement transactions must be paid to the State, not to third-party vendors providing the electronic systems. It modifies Maryland's procurement law to specify that these fees, approved by the Chief Procurement Officer and the Board of Public Works, must be deposited into the State's Operations Revenue Fund. The bill directly affects state agencies conducting electronic procurement and private contractors supplying those systems. It takes effect June 1, 2025, and ensures fees from electronic transactions benefit state operations, not external providers.
SB 213 extends the deadline for using Maryland's Maternal and Child Health Population Health Improvement Fund from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The fund supports maternal and child health programs administered by the Medical Care Programs Administration and Prevention and Health Promotion Administration. It is financed through a hospital assessment, interest earnings, and other designated sources. The bill amends Maryland’s health code to update the expiration date, ensuring continued funding for these programs without creating new financial obligations.
SB 240 changes the membership structure of Maryland's Agricultural Commission and creates a new Committee on Young Farmers. It adds 3 specific representation categories to the 31-member Commission: one for the "Committee on Young Farmers," one for "Socially Disadvantaged Farmers," and one for "Veteran Farmers." The bill repeals the existing Young Farmers Advisory Board and its governing provisions. These changes directly affect how agricultural policy is shaped in Maryland, ensuring young farmers and specific agricultural groups have dedicated representation on the Commission.
SB 719 authorizes Somerset County commissioners to impose an annual property tax to fund emergency services (fire, rescue, emergency medical) for all properties subject to county property tax. It requires the county to hold a public hearing before initially imposing or increasing the tax, coinciding with the annual budget hearing, and mandates advance public notice of this hearing. The tax is collected like other county taxes, with unpaid amounts becoming a legal lien on property that accrues interest and penalties at the same rate as unpaid property taxes. Property may be sold to enforce unpaid taxes under existing county property tax laws. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, applying to all taxable years after June 30, 2025.
SB 261 extends the existence of Maryland's State Board of Public Accountancy until July 1, 2030, instead of its original 2025 termination date under sunset law. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Labor to submit a report to the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee by July 1, 2028, detailing the Board's operations. This bill does not change how the Board regulates accountants or its current responsibilities; it only prolongs the Board's authority and adds a reporting requirement. The measure directly affects the Board (allowing it to continue operating) and the Department of Labor (requiring the report). It is a procedural extension with no new policy changes for accountants or the public.
