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Maryland Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress

All 26,430 Active 12,181 In committee 12,181 Passed 3,693 Signed 7,929 Failed 2,304

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 561: Frederick County - Alcoholic Beverages - Manufacturer's Limited Beer, Wine, and Liquor Permit

This Maryland law creates a new permit for licensed alcohol manufacturers in Frederick County to host private events where outside caterers can serve sealed drinks not made by the host. The permit allows the host to let a contracted party provide beer, wine, or liquor during private gatherings, provided the host has no financial interest in that caterer and does not allow public patrons to enter the private event area. Before each event, the manufacturer must get approval from the local Board of License Commissioners, which will also set rules for approving events and determine an annual fee for the permit.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 676: Right to Try Act - Individualized Investigational Treatments

This bill expands Maryland's Right to Try Act to include individualized investigational treatments, such as gene therapies and personalized vaccines, for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses rather than only those with terminal conditions. It allows manufacturers to charge patients for these treatments and removes previous restrictions on profiting from them, while also permitting health insurance carriers and government agencies to cover the costs. The law requires a detailed informed consent process that outlines available alternatives, potential risks, and the possibility that the treatment could hasten death, and it clarifies that patients remain liable for expenses unless covered by law or contract.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 391: Criminal Law - Sexual Extortion, Stalking, and Revenge Porn - Statute of Limitations and In Banc Review

This Maryland law extends the time limit for prosecuting sexual extortion and stalking cases, allowing authorities to file charges within five and ten years respectively. It also establishes that these crimes can be prosecuted at any time without a deadline, while permitting a special review process for their sentencing. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses are eligible for a specific type of appellate review and ensures that intimate images used as evidence remain confidential.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 947: Civil Actions - Public Nuisances - Firearm Industry Members (Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024)

This Maryland law, known as the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024, allows the state and private individuals to sue firearm companies for creating public nuisances if they knowingly sell or market products that cause harm to the public. The bill requires these industry members to implement strict controls to prevent sales to prohibited persons, such as convicted felons or straw purchasers, and to stop the theft or loss of firearms. Violations of these rules can lead to civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages, court orders to stop specific practices, and legal fees, without requiring proof that the company intended to break the law. Additionally, the act directs the Attorney General to study whether the state can legally require gun manufacturers to pay for the costs of crime prevention and victim compensation.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 1089: Baltimore City - Alcoholic Beverages - Class B Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses

This bill authorizes the Baltimore City Board of License Commissioners to issue Class B beer, wine, and liquor licenses specifically to restaurants located in the Downtown Management District's Ward 4. To qualify, restaurants must derive at least 51% of their daily revenue from food sales, be classified by the city health department as high or moderate priority food service facilities, and sign a memorandum of understanding with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. The law restricts these licenses to on-premises consumption only, prohibits transferring the license to a new location, and requires annual verification of food sales percentages by a certified public accountant. Additionally, no new licenses under this provision can be issued after June 30, 2028, though existing licenses may be renewed until that date.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 600: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Dental Services - Coverage and Rate Study

This bill directs the Maryland Department of Health to study whether the state's Healthy Smiles Dental Program should cover specific services like dentures and home visits for patients. The study must also determine if reimbursement rates for these services should be set at no less than 60% of commercial rates or American Dental Association benchmarks to ensure providers can afford to offer care. To inform this analysis, the department is required to gather input from professional dental organizations and advocacy groups focused on low-income oral health. The department must submit its findings to state legislative committees on or before December 1, 2024.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 177: Hospitals - Care of Infants After Discharge (Safe Sleep Act of 2024)

This bill, known as the Safe Sleep Act of 2024, requires hospitals in Maryland to provide specific safety instructions to parents before discharging newborns. The law mandates that hospitals offer both oral and written guidance on creating a safe sleep environment, avoiding shaken baby syndrome, and managing infant crying, which may include instructional videos. Additionally, hospitals must ask parents about their home sleep arrangements, inform them of the risks associated with unsafe sleeping, and have them sign a form confirming they received this information. If a parent cannot currently provide a safe sleep setup, the hospital must supply a list of local resources to help them obtain necessary items like a crib. The Maryland Department of Health is also tasked with creating and updating a statewide list of resources available to parents by January 1, 2025.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 490: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Donations to Diaper Banks and Other Charitable Entities - Sunset Extension

This bill extends the sunset date for a Maryland income tax deduction that allows residents and corporations to subtract donations made to diaper banks and other specific charitable entities. The law defines eligible recipients as nonprofit organizations that collect or distribute diapers, hygiene products, and feminine care items to individuals in need. To claim the deduction, taxpayers must file their tax returns with the names of the organizations and proof of the donation value, while the state Comptroller is tasked with creating rules for entity registration. By updating the expiration date from June 30, 2024, to June 30, 2027, the legislation ensures this tax benefit continues for three more years without requiring further legislative action.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 1053: State Board of Nursing - Executive Director Qualifications

This bill directs the Maryland Department of Health to form a group of stakeholders to study whether the qualifications for the executive director of the State Board of Nursing should change. The workgroup will examine how well the Board currently functions, compare the current requirements with those of other state health boards, and review qualifications used by other nursing boards. By December 1, 2024, the group must submit a report with its findings and any recommendations to the state legislature. The bill does not immediately change the job requirements but instead creates a process to review them before the current rules expire.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 16, 2024

HB 976: Somerset County - Fire Companies - Appropriations

This bill directs Somerset County Commissioners to provide specific annual funding amounts to seven organized volunteer fire companies in the county. It establishes a ten-year schedule of payments that begins in fiscal year 2024 and automatically continues for each subsequent year unless changed by new legislation. The law sets exact dollar figures for each company, ensuring a steady financial stream to support their operations over the next decade.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 718: Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program and Advisory Committee - Establishment

This bill establishes the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program within the Department of Health Higher Education Commission to address nursing shortages and increase workforce diversity. The program aims to support Licensed Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing students by providing financial assistance for tuition, textbooks, computers, and essential wraparound services like transportation and childcare. To guide the initiative, the legislation creates an advisory committee composed of representatives from nursing schools, healthcare organizations, labor groups, and current students to help design and evaluate the pilot. The Secretary of Higher Education must launch grants to at least two diverse pilot sites by July 1, 2025, and submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly through 2029.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 16, 2024

SB 829: Somerset County - Fire Companies - Appropriations

This bill directs the Somerset County Commissioners to provide specific annual funding amounts to seven organized volunteer fire companies in the county. It establishes a fixed budget for each company from fiscal year 2024 through 2030, with the amounts set to increase slightly each year. The legislation also ensures that the funding level for fiscal year 2030 will automatically continue for future years unless the county decides to change it later.