Maryland Bills

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 380: State Board of Examiners in Optometry - Examination Requirements and Time Period for Inactive Status

This bill clarifies and updates Maryland's optometry licensing rules. It requires applicants for licensure (and certain reinstatement applicants) to pass all sections of each exam part, repeals the requirement for the State Board to schedule examinations, and eliminates the reexamination fee. It also limits inactive license status to a maximum of six consecutive years. These changes directly affect new optometry license applicants and current licensees seeking inactive status, as outlined in amended sections of Maryland's Health Occupations code (§§ 11-302(e), 11-304, 11-305, 11-310).

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 118: Maryland Money Transmission Act - Definition of Money Transmitter - Alteration

HB 118 modifies Maryland's definition of "money transmitter" to exclude certain payroll processing agents. Specifically, it removes the licensing requirement for agents acting on behalf of an employer to process payroll payments, provided there is a written agreement between the employer and agent, the agent isn't acting as another payee, and the employer remains liable if funds aren't remitted to employees. This directly affects payroll service providers working as agents for employers under these conditions. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, streamlining compliance for these specific payroll operations.

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 395: Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Programs - Insurance and Liability

SB 395 clarifies insurance requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs (like Turo) in Maryland. It makes the program's liability insurance primary coverage for drivers using shared vehicles, rather than secondary, and prevents insurers from canceling a vehicle owner's personal insurance solely because the car is shared. The bill also stops the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund from covering drivers for non-replacement vehicles used in sharing programs and allows programs to charge drivers for tolls or fines incurred during trips. These changes aim to standardize liability rules and reduce insurance complications for both sharing platforms and users.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 363: Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission - Membership and Termination - Altered and Extended

SB 363 amends Maryland law to adjust the membership structure and extend the lifespan of the Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission. It reduces the number of Senate and House members from two each to one each, requires appointed members to have ties to Irish affairs, and specifies two private sector members. The bill extends the commission's termination date from 2026 to September 30, 2028, ensuring continued operation. The commission’s purpose remains studying and promoting trade between Maryland and Ireland, with members serving without pay but reimbursed for expenses. This is a procedural bill affecting the commission’s composition and duration, not new trade policies.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 393: Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage

HB 393 requires health insurers, nonprofit health plans, HMOs, and managed care organizations in Maryland to cover scalp cooling systems when they provide coverage for chemotherapy treatments for cancer. This applies directly to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who use scalp cooling to prevent hair loss, and to the insurers that must now include this coverage. The bill defines scalp cooling systems as medical devices designed for repeated use to preserve hair during cancer treatment. Coverage must be provided for these systems as part of chemotherapy treatment plans, effective January 1, 2027. The law amends Maryland’s Insurance Article (Section 15-864) to mandate this coverage for qualifying health plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 385: Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

SB 385 (The Vax Act) requires Maryland’s Secretary of Health to issue evidence-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services, aligning with guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It expands pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines (including those recommended by CDC or the Secretary) to patients aged 3+ after completing specific training and certification, while mandating health insurers to cover these services without cost-sharing. The bill also repeals outdated pertussis-related provisions and updates reporting requirements for pharmacists. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and patients seeking preventive care, aiming to improve access to vaccinations and screenings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 333: Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

SB 333 creates the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, allowing podiatrists (foot and ankle specialists) licensed in Maryland to practice in other participating states more easily. The bill establishes a streamlined process for obtaining an "expedited license" in multiple states without altering existing state licensing laws, requiring podiatrists to pass national exams and pass background checks. Crucially, it mandates that podiatrists follow the rules of the state where the patient is located during treatment, not where the provider is licensed. This compact directly affects licensed podiatrists seeking multi-state practice and state licensing boards overseeing medical practice.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 472: Income Tax - Theatrical Production Tax Credit - Alterations and Sunset Extension

HB 472 extends the expiration date for Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a reduction on their state income tax for qualifying production costs. The bill directly affects film and theater producers in Maryland who currently qualify for the credit. It modifies existing law (from 2022) to extend the credit's validity period by five additional years, ensuring the program remains active through 2032 without requiring new legislative action.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 619: Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

HB 619 would allow Maryland to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, enabling licensed podiatrists to practice across participating states more easily. The bill creates an "expedited license" process for podiatrists who meet specific requirements (like holding a full license in one state and passing background checks), without changing existing state medical practice laws. It requires podiatrists to follow the licensing rules of the state where the patient is located during care, and establishes a commission to oversee the compact. This directly affects podiatrists seeking to practice in multiple states and patients in participating states who may access care from out-of-state providers.

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 442: Professional Liability Insurance Coverage - Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Nurse Midwives, and Licensed Certified Midwives - Disclosure (Nyeli Rose Lewis Act of 2026)

HB 442 requires nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives in Maryland to disclose their professional liability insurance status to residents and potential residents. Specifically, these providers must provide written notice (including electronic communication) if they lack coverage or if coverage has lapsed and not been renewed, with timing requirements: at the first visit for potential residents or at application for admission, and within 30 days of a lapse for current residents. The bill also mandates that facilities without coverage post a conspicuous notice for residents and guests. This law does not change insurance requirements but ensures transparency about coverage gaps. It directly affects residents and potential residents of these care facilities by providing clear, timely disclosure of insurance status.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 293: Professional Liability Insurance Coverage - Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Nurse Midwives, and Licensed Certified Midwives - Disclosure (Nyeli Rose Lewis Act of 2026)

SB 293 requires nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives to notify residents and prospective residents in writing if they lack professional liability insurance or if coverage has lapsed without renewal. For prospective residents, notification must occur at the first visit during a coverage gap or at the time of application; current residents must be notified within 30 days of a lapse. Facilities without coverage must also post a conspicuous notice visible to residents and guests. This law aims to increase transparency about insurance coverage for individuals receiving care in these settings.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 440: Income Tax - Theatrical Production Tax Credit - Alterations and Sunset Extension

SB 440 extends the expiration date of Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a refundable tax credit against state income tax for qualifying production costs within the state. The bill amends existing law (Chapter 258 and 259 of the 2022 Acts) to change the sunset date from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032, without requiring further legislative action. It directly affects theater companies and productions that meet the credit's eligibility criteria in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results