HB 54 repeals the sunset provision that would have ended the fee limits for hospitals and related institutions paying user fees to Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCR) on June 30, 2025. The bill makes permanent the existing rule that caps total user fees at either 0.1% of a hospital's prior year budgeted revenue or the highest amount from the previous five years, whichever is greater. This directly affects hospitals and healthcare facilities required to pay these fees to fund the Commission's operations. The change ensures the fee structure remains in effect without needing future legislative action to extend it.
HB 276 repeals a requirement that Maryland state departments and independent units submit annual reports to the Department of General Services about their form management practices. This bill directly affects all state agencies that previously had to file these reports by July 31 each year, removing a specific administrative burden. The repeal takes effect October 1, 2025, eliminating Section 10-605 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
HB 12 regulates the sale and distribution of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in Maryland. It prohibits selling or distributing THC-containing products (including delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 variants) without a valid license, sets strict limits (0.5mg THC per serving, 2.5mg per package), and requires compliance with manufacturing, testing, and labeling standards. The bill authorizes enforcement officers to issue citations for violations and establishes that displaying THC for sale is prima facie evidence of selling it. It directly affects licensed cannabis businesses and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission, which gains authority to seize or confiscate non-compliant products.
HB 63 extends the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy's authority until July 1, 2030, preventing its automatic termination that would have occurred in 2025. 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 procedural bill directly affects the Board and the licensed accountants it oversees by ensuring continuity of its regulatory role. The changes modify existing law to update sunset dates and reporting requirements without altering the Board's current functions.
HB 573 updates Maryland's requirements for expanded function dental assistants (EFDA). It requires the State Board of Dental Examiners to approve specific types of training programs (like accredited college courses or programs from the Dental Assisting National Board) for EFDA certification, and mandates that initial certification courses offer online options when appropriate. The bill also sets clear rules for reinstating expired EFDA certifications, requiring completion of continuing education (which must include online options), timely renewal applications, and payment of fees. These changes directly affect dental assistants seeking or renewing their EFDA certification in Maryland.
HB 114 revises Maryland's pesticide applicator regulations by updating requirements for commercial and private pesticide applications, particularly for restricted use pesticides. It clarifies that certified private applicators must ensure non-certified workers meet federal safety standards (40 C.F.R. § 171.201(B)(3)) when applying restricted pesticides under their supervision, and defines liability for certified applicators regarding all pesticide applications. The bill also repeals obsolete provisions related to cyclodiene termiticides (like chlordane) and antifouling paints containing tributyltin. These changes directly affect certified pesticide applicators, private applicators, and their supervised workers in Maryland's agricultural and pest control sectors. The law modernizes oversight without introducing new environmental or economic restrictions.
HB 92 extends the timeframe for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) contractors in Maryland to restore expired licenses. Currently, contractors must apply within 90 days of expiration to pay a fee for restoration; this bill changes that window to four years. After four years, contractors would still need to meet initial licensing requirements if they miss the deadline. The bill amends Maryland’s Business Regulation Code to update these provisions, directly affecting HVACR contractors whose licenses have expired.
HB 288 extends the maximum duration for which the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) can declare an emergency status to temporarily adjust tolls, fees, or charges without full public review. It modifies Section 4-312(a) of Maryland's Transportation Article to allow the MDTA to implement immediate toll changes during emergencies - such as when bond payments or operational continuity require urgent action - without completing standard public comment periods. The bill directly affects the MDTA's internal procedures for toll adjustments, not the public or drivers, by streamlining emergency adjustments for transportation facilities projects. This is a procedural change focused on administrative flexibility, not altering actual toll amounts or rates.
HB 94 updates Maryland's process for Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs. It changes the appeals process so organizations can directly appeal adverse authorization decisions to the Secretary of Health (instead of the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services). The bill also revises the Standing Advisory Committee's membership, requiring the Secretary or their designee to serve as chair and adding new members including community advocates, health practitioners, and syringe program experts. These changes directly affect local health departments, community-based organizations applying for program authorization, and the Advisory Committee's operations. The bill focuses on procedural adjustments without altering program requirements or funding.
HB 256 extends the expiration dates for several Maryland health licensing boards from 2025-2026 to 2030-2031 under the Maryland Program Evaluation Act (sunset law). It specifically increases the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners from seven to nine members (six licensed therapists and three consumer members) and sets new expiration terms for these additional members in 2030. The bill affects the State Boards of Audiologists, Massage Therapy, Pharmacy, Professional Counselors, and Behavior Analysts. These changes ensure these boards continue operating without needing new legislation before 2030-2031.
HB 181 changes who appoints key staff in Maryland's Military Department. It transfers authority from the Governor to the Adjutant General for appointing the Chief of Staff and aides. The bill also updates the employment status so these staff members serve "at the pleasure of the Adjutant General" instead of the Governor. This is a procedural adjustment to existing law (Article Public Safety, Section 13-306), not a new policy affecting the public.
SB 202 amends Maryland's DNA database system to standardize how DNA samples are collected and managed for specific groups. It requires that DNA samples from individuals convicted of certain felonies, sex offenders, and those charged with crimes of violence or burglary be collected by a trained official designated by the Crime Laboratory Director. The bill mandates informing charged individuals at collection about potential DNA record expungement and sample destruction, and sets clear conditions for when DNA can be tested and added to the statewide database. Additionally, it specifies timelines for destroying DNA records under defined circumstances.
