Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 94: Commercial Law - Earned Wage Access - Revisions

SB 94 prohibits earned wage access providers in Maryland from accepting tips, offering tip options, or suggesting tips influence loan terms. It requires providers to clearly disclose that tips don’t affect services and must offer at least one no-cost earned wage access option. The bill also mandates providers return any tips that would make loan rates exceed legal limits within 7 days. These changes directly affect consumers using earned wage access services and the providers offering them.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 370: State Acupuncture Board - Revisions

SB 370 revises Maryland's acupuncture licensing rules by defining "manual therapies" as part of licensed acupuncture practice and requiring the State Acupuncture Board to provide proof of license renewal instead of issuing physical renewal certificates. The bill prohibits employers from hiring unlicensed acupuncture practitioners or aiding unauthorized practice, with penalties including civil fines up to $50,000 and criminal charges for repeat offenses. It directly affects licensed acupuncturists, their employers, and clinics that hire practitioners, clarifying what constitutes authorized practice under state law. The changes take effect October 1, 2026, and align licensing standards with national certification requirements for new applicants.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 480: Transportation Network Companies - Deactivation of Operators

HB 480 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in Maryland to create and follow a clear written policy for deactivating drivers. The bill mandates companies must notify drivers of deactivation reasons and provide specific information, and prohibits deactivation unless it follows the published policy. It defines "egregious misconduct" (such as repeated traffic violations or safety threats) as the only valid reason for deactivation, excluding minor violations. This directly affects drivers who could be deactivated and companies required to maintain transparent, consistent procedures.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 404: Natural Resources - State Parks - Terminology

HB 404 amends Maryland law to update terminology related to state parks preserving underrepresented histories, replacing "[historical]" with "historical" in multiple sections. It specifically requires the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate with commissions focused on African American, Asian, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latino history when establishing parks that interpret these histories. The bill creates "Freedman’s State Historical Park" in Montgomery County, mandating a stakeholder advisory committee with community representatives and requiring a report on suitable properties and funding by 2023. These changes directly affect state park planning, management, and partnerships involving historically underserved communities.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 533: Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund - Reporting

HB 533 requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to annually report specific financial details about the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund to two legislative committees. The report must include the exact amount of funds received from a woodland land transfer tax during the prior fiscal year, along with any uncertainties about that amount. This bill does not change how the Fund is funded or used - it only adds a transparency requirement for existing reporting. The Department must submit this report by September 30 each year, starting in 2027.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 429: On-Farm Organics Diversion and Recycling Grant Program - Established

HB 429 establishes two grant programs to reduce food waste and promote composting. The On-Farm Organics Diversion Grant Program (under Agriculture) funds farmers, urban farmers, and related entities to implement on-farm composting, food rescue, and waste prevention. The Wasted Food Reduction Grant Program (under Environment) funds projects like food rescue infrastructure, community composting, and education to reduce wasted food statewide. Eligible projects must meet specific standards, such as producing certified compost and prioritizing underserved communities, with grants awarded annually starting July 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 39: Behavioral Health Rate Methodology Modernization - Workgroup Establishment and Study

SB 39 establishes a workgroup to develop a sustainable reimbursement rate methodology for Maryland's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and Outpatient Mental Health Centers (OMHCs), directly affecting behavioral health providers facing financial strain due to outdated rates. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a cost study of OMHC services, form an advisory panel to review rate recommendations, and increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for OMHCs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Key provisions include evaluating provider costs, workforce needs, and alignment with somatic health care parity, while addressing closures like those in Frederick County. The workgroup must report findings by December 2027, aiming to stabilize provider finances and ensure continued access to community mental health care.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 485: State Board of Professional Landscape Architects - Revisions

HB 485 updates Maryland's licensing framework for landscape architects by renaming the regulatory body to the "State Board of Professional Landscape Architects" and changing related terminology (e.g., "licensed" to "professional" landscape architects). It revises qualifications for board membership, application requirements, examination processes, license renewal terms, and fees for professionals seeking or maintaining licensure. The bill also introduces a new "emeritus status" license for retired professionals. These changes directly affect landscape architects, firms, and the Board in Maryland, streamlining regulatory language and processes under the updated title.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 604: Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026

HB 604, the Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026, changes how state employees negotiate contracts at institutions like the University System of Maryland and the Maryland Environmental Service. It requires a neutral arbitrator to help resolve bargaining impasses if negotiations stall by September 1, with the arbitrator chosen from a national panel by September 15; the arbitrator’s recommendations would be advisory, not binding. The bill also mandates that each annual budget must include full funding for all terms in existing labor agreements, such as written contracts between the state and employee representatives. This directly affects state employees covered by collective bargaining and their representatives in negotiations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 297: Adult Education - High School Diploma Pathways - MDiplomaWorks Pathway

HB 297 establishes two new pathways for adults to earn a high school diploma in Maryland. It creates a two-year GED Option Pilot Program (starting 2027-2028) for up to 150 at-risk students (aged 17+) per participating school district who have withdrawn from regular school programs, expanding eligibility beyond current English language learner programs. The bill also permanently adds the MDiplomaWorks Pathway, allowing adults to earn a diploma by demonstrating academic and career skills, including work experience, instead of traditional coursework. Both pathways target adults who did not complete high school and withdrew from formal education programs. The pilot requires annual reports to the legislature on participation and outcomes.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 394: Public Health - Expedited Partner Therapy - Bacterial Vaginosis and Licensed Certified Midwives

SB 394 adds bacterial vaginosis to Maryland's list of conditions eligible for expedited partner therapy (EPT). This allows certain healthcare providers - like physicians, advanced practice nurses, and pharmaciststo prescribe antibiotics to a sexual partner of a diagnosed patient without requiring a personal examination of the partner. The law aims to prevent reinfection in the diagnosed patient and stop disease spread, expanding existing EPT rules that previously covered only chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. It applies to public and private health care settings in Maryland starting October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 365: Security Guards - Certification Renewal - Requirements

SB 365 modifies Maryland's security guard certification renewal process. It repeals the $5-per-day late fee and eliminates the requirement for security guard agencies or employers to submit a declaration to the Secretary of State Police about certified guards. The bill changes the expiration date for certifications to the last day of the holder's birth month (previously set by the Secretary) and mandates electronic renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration. Existing requirements remain, including the $10 renewal fee, 8 hours of approved continuing training, and fingerprint checks.

Bill results