Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 457: Institutions of Higher Education - Provision of Menstrual Hygiene Products - Requirement

HB 457 requires all Maryland colleges and universities to provide free tampons and pads in every restroom by August 1, 2028. This applies to every public and private institution of higher education in the state, directly affecting students, staff, and faculty who use campus restrooms. The bill mandates that institutions supply size-appropriate products without cost, ensuring accessibility for individuals who menstruate. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2026, with full implementation due by the 2028 deadline.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Mary Lehman (D) Julie Palakovich Carr (D) Sheila Ruth (D) Jen Terrasa (D) Jessica Feldmark (D)

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 500: Sales and Use Tax - Precious Metal Bullion or Coins - Exemption

HB 500 removes two requirements that previously limited the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion and coins. Specifically, it eliminates the $1,000 minimum sale price and the requirement that sales must occur at the Baltimore Convention Center. The bill expands the exemption to cover all qualifying precious metal bullion (refined metal where value depends on metal content) and historically used coins, while still excluding jewelry and art. This change directly affects buyers and sellers of these items by making the exemption available for more transactions without location or price restrictions. The exemption will apply to all qualifying sales starting July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 402: Residential Child Care Programs - Education of Children and Training of Child and Youth Care Practitioners

SB 402 requires licensed residential child care programs in Maryland to ensure children aged 5-16 receive appropriate education, including enrolling them in local schools (unless the program has an approved educational plan), transferring academic records promptly, meeting with teachers, and providing study time and homework assistance. It also establishes new certification standards for child and youth care practitioners, mandating approved training covering child development, special needs, and diverse learning styles, along with background checks and minimum age/education requirements. The bill directly affects residential care program operators and their staff, replacing existing licensing rules in Maryland's Education and Health Occupations codes. Key changes include standardized educational support for children in care and mandatory practitioner training to improve service quality.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 6: Public Institutions of Higher Education - Pregnant and Parenting Students - Plan and Reporting

HB 6 requires Maryland's public colleges and universities to collect and report data on students' parental status, including whether they are parents, guardians, or caregivers of children. Public institutions must adopt a plan by October 2026 that provides referrals to government assistance programs (like WIC, child care scholarships, and Medicaid), campus accommodations, and health services for pregnant and parenting students. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will collect this data annually starting in 2027 and submit reports to legislative committees. This bill directly affects all students enrolled at Maryland's public higher education institutions (including University System schools, Morgan State, and St. Mary’s College) who are pregnant or parenting.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 263: Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members - Advance Enrollment Procedures

SB 263 allows dependent children of active-duty military members to enroll in Maryland public schools remotely before relocating, using official military orders as proof of eligibility. It requires counties to create a free, no-physical-attendance remote registration process and to note if a child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan from their previous school. The bill ensures children with disabilities receive appropriate education without delay and permits continued enrollment through the school year even if residency changes. Military families can use temporary housing addresses (like base housing) as proof of residence. The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families must publish clear enrollment information on these procedures.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 339: Maryland School for the Deaf - Membership of Board of Trustees - Alterations

SB 339 changes the composition of the Maryland School for the Deaf's Board of Trustees. It reduces the total number of trustees from 19 to 13 and increases the required number of deaf trustees from 6 to 7. The bill also adds a requirement that each geographic region of Maryland must be represented by at least one board member. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, aim to better reflect the deaf community and geographic diversity in the school's governance.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 606: Anne Arundel County - Residential Property Tax Payment Deferrals - Eligibility

HB 606 expands eligibility for property tax payment deferrals on residential properties in Anne Arundel County to include members of certain reserve military components, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Public Health Service. The bill amends existing law to add these groups to the list of qualifying individuals who qualify for deferrals under the same disability or age criteria already in place (e.g., permanent disability or age 62+). It does not change income requirements or other existing provisions. The change applies to tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 311: Education - The Blueprint for Maryland's Future - Revisions

SB 311 revises Maryland's Blueprint for Maryland's Future education plan by making several targeted adjustments to existing provisions. It repeals the annual requirement for county school boards to submit technology spending reports, extends the timeframe for calculating compensatory education enrollment (through 2027), and removes a termination date for Concentration of Poverty Grant funds. The bill also updates teacher certification qualifications, extends deadlines for National Board Certification for principals, and revises definitions for wraparound services in community schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These changes primarily affect school districts, teachers, and state education agencies administering the Blueprint's funding and program requirements.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 292: County Boards of Education - Student Transportation - Sunset Repeal and Study

SB 292 repeals the sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for two 2021 laws that allow county boards of education to provide student transportation using non-standard vehicles under specific circumstances. It specifically removes the June 30, 2026, termination dates from Sections 3 of Chapter 197 and Chapter 198 of the 2021 Acts. This change makes the existing student transportation rules permanent, ensuring county boards can continue using non-standard vehicles for certain student transport without needing new legislation. The bill directly affects county school districts and their transportation policies.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 414: Anne Arundel County - Alcoholic Beverages - Consumption-Only Nonprofit Swim Club License

SB 414 creates a new license for nonprofit swim clubs in Anne Arundel County to allow members and guests to bring beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption during designated events. The license permits alcohol use in a specific area during events for up to five days annually (with potential additional days approved by the Board), between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., requiring 10 days' advance notice to the Board. It establishes an annual $100 license fee and a $50 fee per additional day (capped at three extra days). This bill directly affects nonprofit swim clubs seeking to host alcohol-serving events under these specific, limited conditions.

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 1: Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Face Coverings and Identification

This bill requires Maryland law enforcement officers to remove face coverings during official duties, with limited exceptions for religious garb, inclement weather, or safety equipment (like gas masks). It mandates the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to create a model policy, which all agencies must adopt. Officers violating the rule face civil penalties (up to $2,000) but not criminal charges. The law specifically excludes undercover operations and does not apply to face coverings used for health protection or religious reasons. It directly affects all state and local law enforcement officers performing public safety duties.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 497: Family Law - Temporary and Final Protective Orders - Duration

HB 497 extends the effective duration of temporary protective orders from 7 to 14 days after service and requires final protective order hearings to occur within 14 days (previously 7 days) after service. It allows courts to order respondents to pay victims for specific abuse-related costs, including medical/dental care, property repairs, temporary shelter, and attorney fees. The bill clarifies that monetary awards under this provision do not prevent victims from seeking additional compensation later for unawarded expenses. These changes apply to Maryland’s family law system, directly affecting victims of abuse, respondents in protective order cases, and courts handling such petitions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results