HB 17 changes where probate cases are filed for people who died without Maryland residence and updates Maryland's inheritance tax rules for non-resident estates. It requires that for non-resident decedents, the tax on intangible property (like stocks or bank accounts) is based on where the decedent lived (their domicile), not where the property is located. The bill also repeals a previous exemption that allowed non-resident decedents to avoid inheritance tax on personal property passing to heirs. These changes apply retroactively to all applicable cases.
HB 260 changes the timing for distributing funds from Maryland's Fair Campaign Financing Fund. It revises Section 15-107(a)(2) of the Election Law to require that distributions begin no earlier than **July 1** of the year before an election (previously January 1). This directly affects candidates who qualify for public financing under the program by extending the window for the State Board of Elections to process and distribute funds. The bill makes a specific procedural change to fund distribution timelines without altering eligibility rules or funding amounts. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 11 changes when eligible candidates in Maryland can receive public campaign funds from the Fair Campaign Financing Fund. It delays the start date for distributions from January to July 1st of the year before an election. This affects candidates who qualify under the fund’s rules, as they will now receive public financing later in the election cycle. The bill amends election law sections to reflect this timing change, with the update taking effect July 1, 2026. The policy change only adjusts the distribution schedule, not eligibility or funding amounts.
SB 111 applies to new Maryland residents who temporarily drive vehicles registered in their former state. It creates a 60-day grace period during which residents must either properly register their vehicle in Maryland or provide proof that registration isn’t required. If they fail to comply within 60 days, they face a daily fine of $7 (up to $420 total) until the vehicle is registered or proof is accepted. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 300 amends Maryland's state contract law to prohibit specific provisions in state agreements, such as requiring the state to pay for damages without budgeted funds, mandating binding arbitration, or limiting the state's legal options. The bill exempts contracts entered by the Office of International Trade (within the Department of Commerce) for international business development, as authorized under existing law. This exemption allows the Office to include terms that would otherwise be invalid under the general prohibition. The change ensures these international business contracts remain enforceable without being voided for standard prohibited clauses.
HB 266 clarifies how Maryland's Information Technology Investment Fund can be used to support specific state IT systems. It authorizes the Secretary of Information Technology to allocate fund money - paid into the fund under existing rules - to maintain the state's telecommunication network and Maryland First (the public safety radio system for first responders). The bill also allows the Secretary to use fund resources at their discretion for state-owned communication sites, facilities, and equipment related to IT agreements. This bill does not create new funding but specifies existing fund usage for core state IT infrastructure, effective July 1, 2026.
This bill clarifies that attorney-client privilege applies when a person managing another's assets (like a trustee or executor) hires a lawyer for legal advice about those assets - even if the lawyer is paid using the assets they manage. It directly affects estate and trust fiduciaries (such as executors or trustees) and their beneficiaries by ensuring private communications with attorneys remain protected. The key provision explicitly states that using fiduciary funds to pay for legal services does not waive the privilege, and a fiduciary relationship alone cannot override this protection. The law aims to prevent unintended disclosure of sensitive legal advice in estate and trust matters.
SB 131 clarifies that attorney-client privilege applies to communications between an attorney and a client who is also a fiduciary (such as an executor, trustee, or agent managing an estate or trust), even if the fiduciary uses trust or estate funds to pay for the legal services. This protects the confidentiality of legal advice for individuals managing others' money, including beneficiaries relying on those fiduciaries. The bill explicitly states that a fiduciary relationship between a fiduciary and a beneficiary does not automatically waive this privilege. The law will take effect October 1, 2026, and aims to prevent unintended disclosure of privileged communications when trust assets cover legal fees.
SB 8 prohibits using personal identifying information (like Social Security numbers or bank details) or AI-generated deepfakes - defined as computer images indistinguishable from real people - to cause harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss. It bans maliciously disclosing personal details via online services, assuming another’s identity for fraud (e.g., accessing healthcare or avoiding debt), and using devices that copy payment card data without consent. The law directly affects individuals or entities exploiting personal data or deepfakes for fraudulent gain, harassment, or harm. Victims may pursue civil lawsuits against violators, and the bill updates Maryland’s criminal law to address emerging threats from AI and deepfake technology.
This bill requires Maryland's State Highway Administration to approve, deny, or return speed monitoring system applications within 90 days. If the Administration fails to act within this timeframe, the application is automatically approved. It directly affects counties seeking to install speed monitoring systems on state highways within municipal areas, mandating they first obtain the Administration's approval and notify local municipalities. The bill also defines "speed monitoring systems" as devices capturing images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 53 requires the Maryland Port Administration to provide written notice to Anne Arundel County's state legislative delegation before holding a public hearing on acquiring land or property improvements in the county. This applies specifically to land acquisitions by the Port Administration within Anne Arundel County, directly affecting the Port Administration and county officials. The bill mandates that the county delegation must approve the acquisition after the public hearing, with automatic approval if no written objection is received within 90 days of the request. If enacted, the law would take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 279 authorizes Baltimore City to create and enforce local laws that are stricter than state regulations for cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. It allows the Baltimore City Council to pass such laws (subject to exceptions for state-issued licenses and taxes) and the Mayor to enforce them, directly affecting local businesses selling these products and residents. The bill amends Maryland law to explicitly permit Baltimore to regulate sales and distribution with rules matching or exceeding state standards, effective October 1, 2026. It does not create new restrictions but enables the city to adopt tighter local controls.
