HB 911 authorizes licensees at Laurel Park (and Pimlico Race Course) to conduct live Arabian breed horse racing under specific conditions. The bill requires that Arabian races occur in addition to existing thoroughbred races (not replacing them), with a maximum of one per day and three per race meet, and prohibits using thoroughbred purse funds for these races. All Arabian races must follow existing takeout rules, pay standard taxes/fees, and receive approval from the State Racing Commission. This directly affects racetrack operators seeking to add Arabian breed racing without altering current thoroughbred race schedules or funding.
HB 1025 removes the requirement for eyelash extension technicians to pass a practical and written exam to obtain a limited license in Maryland. Instead, applicants will only need to complete 100 hours of approved training in eyelash extension services, eliminating the current option to take an exam administered by the State Board of Cosmetologists. This change directly affects individuals seeking to work as eyelash extension technicians in Maryland, streamlining their path to licensure. The bill repeals the exam option specifically for eyelash extensions (Section 5-305(c)(3)), while maintaining other training requirements for related cosmetology services like esthetics or nail care. The new rule takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 159 requires Maryland's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to maintain specific equipment and supplies on ambulances, including neonatal care items, and mandates quarterly reviews of performance data like response times and service quality. It also requires counties to establish formal, accessible complaint systems for ambulance quality or conduct issues, with online and in-person filing, tracking, and quarterly reporting to the state EMS Institute. These provisions directly affect all counties and municipalities operating or contracting EMS services, as well as the Maryland Institute for EMS Systems, which coordinates the statewide standards. The bill aims to standardize ambulance equipment, improve accountability through data reviews, and enhance patient access to complaint resolution. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 321 extends the deadline for the Maryland Department of the Environment to submit a report studying the synthetic turf industry and disposal practices, moving it from July 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The bill directly affects the Department of the Environment (responsible for conducting the study), synthetic turf producers, retailers, and users - including schools, local governments, and sports organizations. The study requires examining existing synthetic turf fields, industry practices, disposal methods, recycling rates, and proposing improvements for waste management. It does not create new regulations but delays a required report under existing law (Chapter 567 of the 2024 Acts).
HB 175 repeals the $300 annual limit on Maryland’s income tax credit for hunters donating processed antlerless deer meat to 501(c)(3) organizations, allowing individuals to claim up to $75 per deer processed for human consumption. It requires hunters to comply with state hunting laws and donate meat through eligible nonprofit programs, while mandating donation programs to report donor names and donation counts to the Comptroller annually. The bill directly affects hunters who process and donate antlerless deer meat to qualified nonprofits, removing a previous cap on the total credit amount. Key provisions include maintaining the $75 per deer limit, requiring donations to 501(c)(3) organizations, and adding reporting requirements for donation programs. This changes the policy by expanding access to the credit without increasing the per-deer benefit.
HB 85 creates a legal framework for Maryland nonstock corporations (like rental property owners) to convert into cooperative limited equity housing corporations. It establishes requirements for conversion, including a 60-day vote by members, and mandates that these cooperatives provide moving expense reimbursements and advance notice to low-income households (earning ≤80% of area median income) if they sell their units. The bill also sets rules for membership composition, restricts how cooperative interests can be sold or appreciated, and prohibits local governments from blocking such conversions. The Maryland Department of Housing will oversee implementation, including setting standards and providing grants to support new cooperative housing projects.
HB 250 authorizes Maryland's Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for violations of water appropriation, dam safety, and wetlands rules. It directly affects businesses, developers, and dam operators who breach these regulations. Key provisions include setting penalties up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $100,000 total), requiring consideration of factors like environmental harm and willfulness, and mandating that collected penalties fund the Maryland Clean Water Fund (except for dam safety cases, which go to a repair fund). The bill also streamlines enforcement by allowing the Department to issue immediate corrective orders and hold expedited hearings for urgent threats.
HB 103 prohibits consumer contracts from including terms that waive, limit, or disclaim legal rights established by Maryland or federal law, such as shortening the legal time frame to file a lawsuit. It specifically bans clauses that cut short statute of limitations periods or deny enforcement methods available under law, directly affecting consumers and businesses selling goods/services for personal/family use. Violations are classified as unfair trade practices, allowing enforcement actions and civil penalties, while preserving valid arbitration agreements under federal law. The bill excludes certain regulated contracts (e.g., utility services under Maryland Public Service Commission oversight) and applies prospectively from 2026.
HB 35 authorizes Maryland counties and municipalities to create local rules regulating Tree of Heaven (an invasive species), directly affecting property owners and local governments. The bill allows communities to ban the sale, planting, or growth of Tree of Heaven on private property, and requires property owners to remove it. Local governments may also establish cash reward programs to incentivize removal, and enforce rules through civil fines or requiring damage mitigation. This bill provides concrete tools for local management of the invasive tree without mandating statewide action.
HB 347 adds hypertension to the list of occupational diseases presumed work-related for specific emergency responders in Maryland. It creates a legal presumption that firefighters, firefighting instructors, rescue squad members, advanced life support unit members, and State Fire Marshal staff with hypertension are entitled to workers' compensation benefits if they meet four conditions: diagnosed by a provider, prescribed hypertension medication for 90+ consecutive days, completed 2+ years of cumulative service in the state, and are currently employed in that role. This bill modifies Maryland’s workers’ compensation law (specifically Sections 9-502 and 9-503) to expand eligibility for these occupations without requiring separate proof that hypertension resulted from their job duties. It directly affects these emergency personnel seeking compensation for hypertension-related disability or death.
HB 270, the Military Family Inclusion Act, adds specific military family representation requirements to four Maryland state boards and commissions. It modifies the Maryland Commission on Caregiving to require one "family caregiver of a service-disabled veteran" as a member, and amends the Maryland Veterans Commission to add "an organization representing military families" as a designated appointee. The bill also updates the Maryland Trust Fund Board to include an appointed representative from a military family organization and adjusts the Youth Advisory Council to include a service member appointed by the Department of Veterans and Military Families. These changes directly affect how these bodies are composed, ensuring military family perspectives are formally included in their governance structures. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 21 modifies Maryland's Golden Age Pass program to provide free day-use entry at all state parks with service fees for residents aged 62+ who hold the pass. It also allows pass holders to launch boats at any state park without fees and extends free entry to all passengers in their vehicle when a per-vehicle fee applies. The bill changes overnight camping discounts to apply Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays), replacing the previous Sunday-Thursday schedule. The changes will take effect October 1, 2026, and directly affect eligible seniors visiting Maryland state parks.
