Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 934: State Board of Physicians - Performance of X-Ray Duties Without a License

This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for limited licensed radiologic technologists in Maryland, creating a specific license category for individuals who perform basic X-ray duties without a full medical license. The legislation allows unlicensed individuals to take X-rays only in a physician's office under the direct supervision of a licensed professional and restricts these duties to specific procedures like chest, spine, and extremity imaging while explicitly excluding advanced services such as CT scans, mammograms, and radiation therapy. To qualify, applicants must complete a standardized educational program with at least 115 hours of training and 480 hours of clinical practice, pass a certification exam, and maintain their status through continuing education. Additionally, the bill updates the composition of the state advisory committee responsible for overseeing radiation therapy and radiography regulations.

Jamila Woods (D) Harry Bhandari (D) Deni Taveras (D) Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D) Ken Kerr (D)

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 531: Correctional Services – Parole Supervision Fees and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Test Payment – Repeal

HB 531 repeals the requirement for individuals on parole in Maryland to pay a monthly supervision fee of $50 and removes the authorization for them to cover the costs of drug and alcohol testing. This change directly affects people supervised by the Division of Parole and Probation, eliminating these specific financial obligations that were previously enforced as conditions of their release. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2024, and does not alter other existing court costs, fines, or the authority of the parole commission to revoke supervision for non-compliance with other rules.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 429: Corporations and Associations - Protestant Episcopal Church, Diocese of Washington

This bill updates the legal framework for religious corporations belonging to the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Washington by repealing outdated laws and establishing new rules for their governance. It clarifies that these parishes must adopt bylaws to manage their affairs while remaining subject to the church's national constitution and canons, with specific protections for older parishes that have unique historical charters. The legislation also requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to report on the impact of these changes and allows the state to officially record incorporation certificates for these religious groups upon request. Finally, the bill formally recognizes the legal existence of numerous specific parishes within the diocese, ensuring their status as corporate bodies is acknowledged for all official purposes.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 705: Health Insurance - Qualified Resident Enrollment Program (Access to Care Act)

This bill establishes the Qualified Resident Enrollment Program to help people in Maryland who currently lack access to affordable health insurance enroll in plans through the state health exchange. It defines "qualified residents" as individuals living in the state who are not eligible for existing federal or state assistance programs, regardless of their immigration status, and who are not incarcerated. The legislation allows the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to hire third-party contractors to manage the program and requires that its implementation wait for approval of a specific federal waiver amendment. Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated fund to finance the program and mandates annual transfers of $15 million to support health equity resource communities.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 822: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Employed Individuals With Disabilities

This bill updates Maryland's Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program to ensure that people with disabilities can access medical assistance while working without facing strict financial or age barriers. It requires the Department of Health to provide services to applicants aged 16 and older and prohibits limiting eligibility based on earned or unearned income, assets like retirement accounts, or an upper age limit. The legislation also mandates that the application process use plain language and allows recipients to keep their independence accounts without restrictions on how they spend the funds. Additionally, the state must consult with a coalition of disability advocates twice a year to review and adjust program regulations as needed.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 408: Mental Health Law - County Mental Health Advisory Committees - Membership

This bill updates the membership rules for Maryland county mental health advisory committees to better include voices from the military and veteran communities. It achieves this by adding a new category that allows the appointment of individuals with experience in mental health care for veterans or those currently serving in the military. The change ensures that these specific groups are represented alongside existing categories such as patients, family members, and medical professionals. This adjustment aims to broaden the committee's perspective on mental health services without altering the overall structure or voting powers of the advisory body.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 1235: Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – License Extensions

This bill extends the expiration dates of two specific alcohol beverage licenses in Baltimore City until July 1, 2025, allowing them to be transferred or renewed under new conditions. The extension applies to a location on Harford Road if the owner agrees to a community agreement with the Hamilton Community Association, and to a location on East Fayette Street if they do the same with the C.A.R.E. Community Association. These agreements require a process for community input, limit sales to beer and wine for the first year after transfer, and mandate specific public safety measures such as improved lighting, noise control, and trash management. The law automatically expires on July 31, 2025, without needing further legislative action.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 1037: Task Force on the Creation of a Division of Returning Citizens and Expanded Reentry Services - Establishment

This bill establishes a Task Force to study how Maryland can improve support for people returning to society after incarceration. The group includes government officials, legal representatives, and individuals with personal experience in the criminal justice system, such as former inmates and family members of those currently in prison. The Task Force will evaluate current reentry services, identify missing resources, and create a plan to form a new Division of Returning Citizens within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This proposed division would coordinate existing programs and expand access to housing, employment, socialization, and health services for individuals after their release.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 39: Residential Service Agencies - Reimbursement - Personal Assistance Services (Homecare Worker Rights Act of 2024)

This bill, known as the Homecare Worker Rights Act of 2024, changes how Maryland residential service agencies are paid for personal assistance services. Starting in 2026, the state will only provide reimbursement to these agencies if the workers delivering care are officially classified as employees rather than independent contractors. The law aims to ensure that caregivers receive employee benefits by tying state funding directly to their employment status. This policy directly affects residential service agencies, their homecare workers, and third-party payors involved in funding these services.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 817: Prince George's County - Alcoholic Beverages - Issuance of License Near a Place of Worship or School PG 307-24

This bill allows the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners to issue alcohol licenses for establishments located within 500 feet of a place of worship or 1,000 feet of a school, provided the same owner held a valid license for that specific site before the religious building or school was constructed. The law maintains existing distance restrictions for new applications and renewals but creates a specific exception for businesses that existed prior to the construction of nearby schools or churches. Additionally, the bill includes localized adjustments for certain districts in Hyattsville, College Park, and Laurel, which have modified distance requirements or exemptions for specific license types.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 778: Health Insurance - Hearing Aids for Adults - Coverage

This Maryland law requires health insurance plans, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover hearing aids for adults who are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. The coverage is limited to $1,400 per ear every 36 months, but insured individuals can choose more expensive models and pay the difference without penalizing the provider. The legislation applies to all policies issued, delivered, or renewed in the state on or after January 1, 2025.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 933: Harford County - Alcoholic Beverages - Performing Arts Theater License

This bill updates Maryland state law to allow for-profit organizations to obtain a performing arts theater license in Harford County, whereas previously only nonprofit groups were eligible. The legislation expands the scope of the license to permit the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption during performances and related events, in addition to beer and wine. It also increases the annual license fee from $500 to $1,500 and requires license holders to serve snacks whenever alcohol is sold. These changes modify existing sections of the Annotated Code of Maryland to reflect these new eligibility criteria and operational rules.

Bill results