HB 1157 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to annually report detailed data on mental health and substance use coverage to the Insurance Commissioner using a standardized template. This data includes access to services by facility type (e.g., outpatient, inpatient), provider type (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists), and demographics (e.g., youth vs. adult, in-person vs. telehealth), along with network accuracy and availability. The Commissioner must make this data publicly accessible via a website with interactive dashboards. The law directly affects all health insurance companies offering plans in Maryland, aiming to improve transparency about coverage gaps in mental health care.
HB 1045 modifies Maryland’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) by adding a restriction on sharing prescription data with federal law enforcement. Specifically, it amends Section 21-2A-06(b)(4) of the Maryland Annotated Code to prohibit disclosure to federal agencies unless the data does not involve "sensitive health services" designated by the new Protected Health Care Commission. This Commission, established under Section 4-310, will identify health services (like reproductive care) where data sharing could risk patient safety or privacy. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and patients whose data might be monitored, particularly for sensitive health services, by requiring a review before federal disclosure.
HB 129 requires nonprofits receiving at least 50% of their annual funding from specific public sources - including state/local grants, capital budgets, or local impact grants - to report funding amounts and usage to Maryland's Comptroller. This applies to IRS 501(c) exempt organizations operating in Maryland that meet the funding threshold. Nonprofits must submit these reports annually, and the Comptroller will summarize the data for the General Assembly by January 31 each year. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to standardize reporting on public funding for transparency.
SB 923 creates three new state funds to promote solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and zero-emission vehicles in Maryland. Each fund will be financed through a fee-based marketing program (a "checkoff" where industry participants pay small contributions) to support statewide promotion efforts. The funds are permanent (nonlapsing) and will retain all interest earnings instead of transferring them to the state general fund. Advisory councils, made up of industry representatives and state officials, will manage the funds and guide marketing initiatives for these technologies.
SB 722 establishes a temporary task force to study whether Maryland should allow not-for-profit funeral homes - businesses that operate without seeking profit - to serve the public. The task force, composed of appointed members including legislative leaders, funeral industry representatives, and specialists from African American, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities, will analyze current licensing data, reasons for denied applications, and similar laws in other states. It will specifically assess the feasibility, necessity, and potential impact of permitting such not-for-profit services in Maryland. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2026, and the bill expires automatically on September 30, 2027.
SB 855 creates a new "Manufacturer’s Limited Beer, Wine, and Liquor Permit" for Baltimore County businesses holding specific manufacturer licenses (like Class 5 breweries). It allows these businesses to host private events where licensed caterers or contractors serve sealed beer, wine, and liquor *not* produced by the manufacturer, for on-premises consumption at the business location. The permit requires prior approval from the Baltimore County Board of License Commissioners for each event and prohibits the manufacturer from being affiliated with the caterer. This change directly affects eligible manufacturers seeking to host such private events without altering existing retail alcohol sales rules.
SB 615 requires condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperative housing corporations in Maryland to conduct regular reserve studies and budget for major repairs. It mandates an initial reserve study within 30 days before a key meeting, followed by updates every five years, with specific deadlines based on the community’s location and establishment date (e.g., Prince George’s County communities established after 2020 must comply by 2026). The bill also allows members (not just the board) to declare financial hardship, extending relief periods, and requires boards to add funds to reserve accounts if they deviate from required funding levels for capital components. This directly affects community associations managing shared property, ensuring they plan for future costs like roof replacements or elevator repairs. The law amends Maryland’s real property and association statutes to standardize these financial planning requirements.
HB 1443 modernizes Maryland's retail electricity and gas market rules. It repeals outdated provisions about energy salesperson licensing and green power marketing, while requiring the Public Service Commission to create an "Energy Choice Multimedia Program" to educate consumers about energy choices and climate commitments. Key changes include new requirements for energy suppliers to submit vendor lists to the Commission, updated license renewal processes, and added due process protections before license actions. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy vendors, and residential consumers through these regulatory updates.
HB 981 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to use the 10-year average U.S. equity market return when setting base rates for investor-owned gas and electric utilities. The Commission must determine this rate using multiple objective sources and may adjust utility rates based on how risky a company's operations are compared to the market return. This directly affects gas and electric utility companies and their customers by changing how rates are calculated for service. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 679, the "Vincent Anthony Fisher III Act," allows certain individuals to request a reduction in their prison sentence. It applies to people convicted as adults for offenses committed when they were minors (before October 1, 2021) and imprisoned for at least 20 years, or those convicted between ages 18-24 (not life without parole, not sex offenders, and not convicted of specific violent crimes like murder of first responders or hate crimes) with 20+ years served. The bill requires a court hearing where the person must show they are not a public danger and that a reduced sentence serves justice, considering factors like their age at the offense, rehabilitation efforts, victim input, and family circumstances. The court must consider these factors before deciding whether to shorten the prison term.
SB 116 requires Maryland state agencies to include specific climate and sustainability information when submitting certain contracts for approval by the Board of Public Works. It applies to six contract types, including construction, energy performance, and architectural services, and mandates agencies to detail how contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable sourcing, and adherence to green building standards. The bill also requires liaisons from the Governor’s office, Comptroller, and Treasurer to ensure compliance and ensure this information appears on the Board’s agenda. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects state agencies managing these contracts and the Board’s review process.
HB 381 requires Maryland's State Highway Administration to install traffic control devices prohibiting right turns on red at specific intersections on state highways in urban cores and urban centers by July 1, 2029. It directly affects drivers at these intersections by changing the default rule from "turns on red are permitted unless prohibited" to "turns on red are prohibited unless allowed by a sign." The bill amends existing law to mandate these devices while allowing exceptions if installation would significantly impair public safety. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, with full implementation required by 2029.
