Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 174: Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact

SB 174 establishes Maryland's participation in the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact, enabling social workers licensed in Maryland to practice across other participating states with a single multistate license. This directly affects licensed social workers, military families, and rural communities facing workforce shortages by eliminating the need for separate licenses in each state. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses among member states, shared disciplinary records through a centralized Commission, and requirements for social workers to follow the laws of the state where the client is located. The bill also supports telehealth access to improve service availability and ensures public safety through shared information on adverse actions against licensees.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 8, 2025

HB 345: Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact

HB 345 would allow social workers licensed in Maryland to practice in other states that join the Social Work Licensure Compact without needing separate licenses. The bill establishes a Compact Commission to manage mutual recognition of licenses, reduce duplicate requirements, and ensure accountability for social workers practicing across state lines. This directly affects licensed social workers, military families (who benefit from easier mobility), and clients seeking services in multiple states. The key mechanism is creating a standardized system for license portability while requiring social workers to follow the laws of the state where the client is located during service.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2024

SB 795: Health Occupations - Practice Audiology - Definition

This Maryland bill updates the legal definition of practicing audiology to clarify what actions audiologists are authorized to perform. It explicitly includes the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance conditions, as well as the fitting and management of hearing aids, sound processors, and cochlear implants. The legislation also specifies that audiology practice covers certain ear examinations and non-surgical procedures like removing earwax or ordering medical tests. Conversely, the bill clearly states that audiology does not include performing surgery or operating X-ray equipment. These changes take effect on October 1, 2024, and aim to provide clearer guidelines for the licensure and regulation of audiologists in the state.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2024

HB 464: Health Occupations – Practice Audiology – Definition

This bill updates the legal definition of "practice audiology" in Maryland to clarify the specific duties and procedures that fall under the scope of the profession. The changes allow audiologists to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe, order, sell, dispense, or fit hearing aids, sound processors, and cochlear implants. However, the legislation explicitly excludes surgical procedures, such as those involving lasers or scalpels, and the preparation or performance of radiographic imaging from the definition of audiology practice. These updates aim to modernize the regulatory framework for audiologists without altering the existing requirements for their licensure.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 186: Eastern Shore Code Counties - Maximum Hotel Rental Tax Rate - Alteration

This bill updates the maximum hotel rental tax rates that counties in Maryland's Eastern Shore class can charge. It allows these specific counties to set a tax rate of up to 6%, which is an increase from the previous 3% limit. The change applies to any county within this classification that chooses to adopt the new rate through a local resolution. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and does not alter the tax rates for other counties in the state.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 895: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Licensing Fees

This bill updates the annual licensing fees for various alcoholic beverage permits in Baltimore City. It directly affects businesses such as bars, breweries, liquor stores, and event organizers by changing the specific dollar amounts they must pay to operate legally. The legislation repeals and reenacts existing state laws, raising fees for most license types while adjusting certain surcharges for services like live entertainment or outdoor seating. For example, the fee for a Class A beer and light wine license increases from $110 to $171, while the fee for a Class A beer, wine, and liquor license rises from $858 to $2,060. Additionally, the bill modifies fees for specialized licenses, including those for racetracks, video lottery facilities, and beer or wine festival events.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 230: Insurance - Hearing Representation

This bill allows small business entities in Maryland to be represented by specific employees or officers instead of hiring an attorney during hearings with the Insurance Commissioner. To qualify, a business must prove it is a small employer, and the designated representative must have the authority to bind the company while not being a lawyer who is currently disbarred or suspended. The law also permits hearings to be conducted virtually if requested and outlines rules for how evidence and witnesses are handled in these proceedings. These changes apply to various types of hearings, including those involving insurer filings and financial condition evaluations, taking effect on October 1, 2024.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 986: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Required Study

This bill mandates that Maryland's Medical Assistance Program begin providing comprehensive coverage for obesity treatment starting July 1, 2025. The coverage includes intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management, while also requiring the state to notify recipients of these new benefits. Before the coverage takes effect, the Maryland Department of Health must conduct a study to compare other states' programs and estimate potential cost savings, with findings due by December 31, 2024.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 933: Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services - 9-8-8 Trust Fund Fees

This bill establishes fees on telephone and mobile service providers to fund Maryland's behavioral health crisis response system. It requires traditional phone companies to pay a fee per subscriber and prepaid wireless providers to pay a fee on each retail transaction, with all collected money going into a dedicated state trust fund. The fund is designated to cover the costs of maintaining the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline and supporting statewide crisis services such as call centers, mobile teams, and stabilization facilities. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the state Comptroller audit how these fees are collected and limits the amount of revenue that can be used for administrative expenses.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 920: Washington County - Alcoholic Beverages - Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility Beer, Wine, and Liquor License

This bill updates the alcohol licensing rules for the multi-use sports and events facility in Washington County, Maryland, allowing the venue to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-site consumption. The law designates a specific license for the facility owner, who must be the operator of a professional baseball team, and expands the permitted sale of beverages to include plastic, Styrofoam, or paper containers. To ensure responsible service, the bill mandates that all employees complete alcohol awareness training and obtain crowd control certification, while also setting the annual license fee at $2,500. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and authorize the sale of alcohol during events held at the facility beyond just baseball games.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 66: Property Tax Credits - Public School Employees, Health and Safety Improvements, and Property Used for Local Housing Programs

This bill authorizes local governments in Maryland, such as Baltimore City or county councils, to offer property tax credits to three specific groups. First, it allows tax credits for public school employees who use their primary residence as their home. Second, it permits credits for owners of apartment or condominium buildings who make health and safety improvements after July 1, 2024. Third, it enables credits for buildings used for local housing programs that assist homeless individuals or families starting on or after July 1, 2024. While the state law sets the framework, each local government must pass its own specific rules to determine the exact amount, duration, and additional requirements for these credits. The changes are designed to take effect for tax years beginning after June 30, 2024.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 620: Resources and Education for All Prisons (REAP) Act

This bill requires Maryland's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to help incarcerated individuals apply for federal Pell Grants to fund higher education. To support this goal, the law mandates that the department work with specific state universities and community colleges to facilitate access to these grants. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Labor to set enrollment targets and create tracking systems to monitor the progress and college credits earned by inmates in postsecondary programs. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will assist in building these tracking systems, and the state budget must include funding for marketing education programs to incarcerated people and maintaining the data systems.

Bill results