SB 149 establishes new rules for permits allowing heavy trucks to transport international cargo in sealed containers through Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal corridor. It requires vehicles to weigh no more than 100,000 pounds, follow specific designated routes between the terminal and authorized destinations, travel only during permitted hours, and adhere to speed limits set by the Maryland Transportation Secretary. The bill directly affects trucking companies moving international freight by creating a formal "heavy weight port corridor" system with standardized weight, route, and timing requirements. The Secretary of Transportation will set permit fees, axle weight limits, and approved destinations through regulations, with the law taking effect June 1, 2026.
Maryland's SB 197 updates land use planning requirements for charter counties and local jurisdictions by adding eight mandatory elements to comprehensive and general plans, including new Resilience, Equity, Place, and Ecology elements. The bill requires counties to address specific subelements within each plan section, such as economic development strategies, community facilities, and historic resource protection, while mandating state agencies like the Department of Planning to provide data and guidelines. It replaces outdated sections with streamlined language, clarifies how counties can structure their plans (e.g., as individual chapters or grouped sections), and removes obsolete requirements like "mineral resources" and "water resources" elements. This bill directly affects local governments developing land use plans, ensuring they incorporate updated environmental, social, and economic priorities.
HB 243 modifies Maryland's requirements for local governments' comprehensive and general plans. It adds new mandatory elements like Resilience, Place, and Ecology while replacing older terms (e.g., "Water Resources" becomes "Equity"). The bill requires charter counties and other local jurisdictions to include these updated elements in their plans, detailing goals for economic, social, and environmental development. State agencies must also provide data and guidance to help local governments meet these new standards. This affects how local governments structure long-term planning for land use, housing, transportation, and community facilities.
SB 38 requires drivers with specific alcohol-related license suspensions (such as DUI convictions, underage drinking violations, or alcohol restrictions) to use a breathalyzer-like device that prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected. This mandatory participation applies when modifying a license suspension or issuing a restricted license for these offenses. Failure to comply results in an automatic one-year license suspension. The law also establishes standards for companies that install and maintain these devices.
HB 286 requires drivers with certain alcohol-related license suspensions or restrictions to participate in Maryland's Ignition Interlock System Program as a condition for modifying their suspension, reinstating their license, or receiving a restricted license. The program mandates that individuals use certified ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles, with participation managed through approved service providers certified by the state and manufacturers. Drivers who fail to join or complete the program face a one-year license suspension, while those eligible for a restricted license must comply with this requirement. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of driving under the influence, underage drinking violations, or those with alcohol restrictions on their license.
SB 261 amends Maryland's Money Transmission Act to exclude certain payroll processors from being classified as "money transmitters." It specifically exempts agents of payors (companies handling payroll for others) from licensing requirements if they meet three conditions: a written agreement with the payor, the payor presenting them as the service provider to employees, and the payor remaining liable if funds aren't remitted. This directly affects payroll processing businesses operating under these arrangements, removing a regulatory burden they previously faced. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 255 updates the purpose of Maryland's Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program to explicitly advance forest health and resilience by promoting and maintaining native trees and shrubs on public lands, community spaces, school grounds, and rights-of-way. The bill amends the existing law (Section 5-435 of the Natural Resources article) to clarify that the program’s core focus is on native species, rather than general tree planting. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources, which administers the program, and ensures future efforts align with this specific goal. The change is procedural, updating the program’s stated purpose without creating new funding or requirements. The bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 164 amends Maryland's Pamela J. Kelly Tree-Mendous Maryland Program to explicitly prioritize advancing forest health and resilience through the promotion and maintenance of native trees and shrubs. The bill directly affects the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (which administers the program), public land managers, community spaces, school grounds, and rights-of-way where tree planting occurs. Key provisions change the program's stated purpose in state law to require native species for all planting and maintenance efforts on public lands. This policy shift focuses on using locally adapted plants to strengthen ecosystems rather than non-native species. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, pending final legislative approval.
HB 276 revises Maryland's Public Access Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program to clarify requirements for entities using AEDs. It establishes a mandatory "AED Coordinator" role to maintain AED functionality and reporting, repeals outdated requirements for regional council AED committees, and exempts law enforcement agencies from needing a certificate for AEDs deployed in patrol vehicles. The bill affects businesses, organizations, and government entities that operate public AEDs, requiring them to maintain written AED plans and coordinate with emergency services. Key changes streamline oversight while ensuring AEDs remain accessible and properly maintained for public use during cardiac emergencies.
HB 262 renames Maryland's "Council on Open Data" to the "Council for Open Data" and reduces its membership from 37 to 11 members. The new council includes the State Chief Data Officer (as chair), representatives from local governments, and members from private, academic, or nonprofit sectors appointed by the Governor. The bill updates the council’s responsibilities to provide guidance on open data standards, coordinate state data initiatives, promote partnerships, and advise on budget matters related to open data. It does not create new policy but restructures the existing council’s governance and membership. The bill is currently pre-filed and scheduled for a committee hearing.
SB 200 renames Maryland's "Council on Open Data" to the "Council for Open Data" and restructures its membership from 37 to 11 members. The Council now includes 10 state agency heads, the State Chief Data Officer (as chair), three locally appointed officials representing specific county groups, and five private-sector members appointed by the Governor. Its key duties include setting open data standards for portals, ensuring privacy/security, advising on budget needs, and promoting data-sharing partnerships. This directly affects state agencies, local governments (through appointed county representatives), and private-sector stakeholders participating in governance.
HB 225 extends the termination date of the Maryland Horse Industry Board from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036, ensuring the board continues operating under existing authority. This bill directly affects the Maryland Horse Industry Board and stakeholders in Maryland's horse industry who rely on the board's regulatory and policy functions. It modifies two sections of Maryland law (Agriculture, Sections 2-703 and 2-719) to update the board's sunset date without changing its core responsibilities. The extension follows Maryland's Program Evaluation Act (sunset law) process, allowing the board to maintain its current role until 2036. This is a routine legislative update to prevent automatic termination of the board's statutory authority.
