Maryland Bills

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 948: Election Law - Internet-Delivered Absentee Ballots - Information and Receipt Limitation

SB 948 requires the State Board of Elections to include specific information in Maryland's accessible online absentee ballot application, such as a detailed explanation of the ballot process and a mandatory confirmation that voters understand the requirements. It prohibits voters with permanent absentee ballot status from receiving internet-delivered ballots for more than one election cycle, restricting this option to a single election. The bill also modifies communication to permanent absentee voters and mandates that the online application feature a separate modal box explaining ballot procedures and a dialog box requiring affirmative acknowledgment of understanding before submission. These changes directly affect voters who choose to request absentee ballots online, particularly those with permanent absentee status. The bill focuses on improving clarity and security for internet-based absentee ballot requests without altering voting eligibility or outcomes.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 1035: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Overtime Compensation

HB 1035 modifies Maryland's income tax code to allow residents to subtract certain overtime pay from their taxable income, aligning with federal tax rules. It directly affects Maryland taxpayers who earn "qualified overtime compensation" as defined under Section 225 of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The bill adds a new provision (Section 10-208(dd)) specifying that qualifying overtime pay - already deductible under federal law - can be subtracted when calculating Maryland adjusted gross income. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and expires June 30, 2029. This is a temporary policy adjustment, not a permanent tax rate change.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 990: Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program - Eligibility and Generating Capacity

HB 990 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031, to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program. It also doubles the total in-state generating capacity cap for systems between 20 kilowatts and 5 megawatts - from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts. This directly affects solar developers and property owners installing systems in this size range, particularly those on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial sites. The changes aim to support broader solar adoption by providing more time for installation and increasing available capacity under the program.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 1080: Income Tax - Addition Modifications - Excluded Opportunity Fund Gains, Foreign-Derived Deduction Eligible Income, and Interest

HB 1080 modifies Maryland's income tax code to align with recent federal changes. It adds three specific types of income to Maryland taxable income: capital gains from qualified opportunity funds (previously excluded federally), certain foreign business income, and interest excluded under federal law. This affects Maryland taxpayers and corporations that earn these specific income types, requiring them to include these amounts in their state tax calculations. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, with the full implementation starting July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 669: Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program - Eligibility and Generating Capacity

SB 669 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program, changing the window from 2024-2028 to 2024-2031. It also doubles the statewide capacity cap for medium-sized systems (20 kilowatts to 5 megawatts) from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts, specifically for systems installed on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial water sites. This bill directly affects residential, commercial, and community solar system owners seeking certification under the program, enabling more installations while maintaining eligibility rules for smaller systems under 20 kilowatts.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 584: Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and Transmission Lines - Notice to Landowners

SB 584 requires utility companies to send certified mail notices to landowners at the time of applying for a certificate to build transmission lines. Landowners whose property is adjacent to or abutting the construction site must receive this notice, which explains their right to intervene in the approval process. Failure to provide the required notice can invalidate a public hearing or void the application for the certificate. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 706: Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Alterations

SB 706 reduces Maryland's mandatory renewable energy targets for electricity suppliers. It lowers the required percentage of Tier 1 renewable sources (like solar, offshore wind, and geothermal) from previous levels to 26% in 2027 (down from 41.5%), 27.5% in 2028 (from 43%), 34% in 2029 (from 49.5%), and 34.5% in 2030+ (from 50%). The bill also maintains a 2.5% requirement for Tier 2 renewable sources each year. These changes directly affect electricity suppliers who must meet these annual renewable energy quotas for retail electricity sales in Maryland. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, applying to compliance years after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 622: Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Required Uses - Building Electrification and Transportation Electrification

SB 622 requires the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide loans and grants specifically for building electrification (replacing gas appliances with electric ones) and transportation electrification (such as electric vehicle infrastructure). This policy change directly affects Maryland residents, businesses, and local governments seeking funding to switch to electric systems. The bill amends existing law to mandate these uses of the fund, redirecting resources from previous allocations. It becomes effective October 1, 2026, without creating new programs but altering how existing funds are distributed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 926: Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products - Definition of Exempt Material - Alteration

SB 926 amends Maryland's definition of "exempt material" under extended producer responsibility rules for packaging and paper products. It specifically adds packaging for FDA-regulated products (drugs, dietary supplements, and medical devices) to the list of materials manufacturers don't need to cover under these rules. This change directly affects manufacturers of those FDA-regulated products, removing their packaging from requirements like disposal cost responsibility. The bill updates existing law without creating new obligations, effective June 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 911: Environment - Weather Engineering - Prohibition

SB 911 prohibits anyone in Maryland from injecting, releasing, or dispersing chemicals, substances, or devices into the atmosphere to alter weather, climate, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It requires the Department of the Environment to create a public reporting system for suspected weather engineering activities and establish a process for evaluating and investigating reports in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. Violations carry fines up to $100,000 for most offenders or up to $5,000 and 5 years in prison for aircraft operators, with all fines directed to the Bay Restoration Fund. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 873: Environment - Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing - Modified Risk Reduction Standard

SB 873 modifies Maryland's lead risk reduction requirements for housing property owners. It requires owners to complete specific lead hazard treatments - such as repairing chipped paint, installing smooth window wells, and HEPA-vacuuming - within 30 days after receiving written notice that a resident has an elevated blood lead level (with thresholds adjusted by date) or a defect is reported with a person at risk present. The bill updates the conditions triggering these actions, applying to residential properties affected by lead hazards under existing law. It becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 688: Environment - Stream and Floodplain Restoration Projects - Requirements and Limitations

SB 688 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to update stormwater management rules, directly affecting developers, local governments, and state agencies. It mandates that stormwater plans must maintain predevelopment runoff characteristics, prevent soil erosion, protect stream channels, and achieve 100% groundwater recharge. The bill also requires treating pollutants in runoff to restore water quality, protect aquatic life, and prevent downstream flooding from new development. These changes apply to all new construction and redevelopment projects requiring stormwater permits.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results