This bill requires Maryland's Governor to include at least $200 million in the state budget for site redevelopment and transportation infrastructure improvements if the U.S. General Services Administration relocates the FBI headquarters to Prince George's County. The funding would directly support the physical site and transportation needs of the relocation project. The requirement only applies if the FBI headquarters moves to the county, as determined by the federal government. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 425 exempts licensed auctioneers acting on behalf of sellers (without taking title to the vessel) from being classified as "dealers" under Maryland's State Boat Act. This change specifically affects auctioneers who sell boats for owners or secured parties, such as lienholders, where title passes directly to the buyer. The bill amends the State Boat Act by adding a clear exclusion to the definition of "dealer" in Section 8-701(c)(3), ensuring auctioneers aren't subject to dealer licensing requirements when operating under these conditions. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1 requires Maryland's Department of Transportation to create and implement training for transportation sector employees (including those at transit stations, airports, ports, and rest stops) on identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking. Employers must certify employees have completed the training by January 1, 2026, and establish reporting procedures to local agencies and trafficking prevention policies. The bill also protects employees and employers from liability for good-faith reports or responses to suspected trafficking incidents. Additionally, it mandates bilingual safety announcements about trafficking resources at transportation hubs.
SB 381 limits access to images captured by automated traffic enforcement systems (like speed cameras or red-light cameras) in Maryland. It requires agencies operating these systems to deny public access to recorded images, except for specific cases like people who received a ticket or for official traffic enforcement investigations. The bill also prohibits state or local agencies from using these images or associated data without a warrant, subpoena, or court order, unless the use is directly related to traffic enforcement. Additionally, it sets requirements for securely deleting the images after a set period. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies managing automated traffic enforcement systems and protects the privacy of drivers whose vehicles are captured.
HB 236 allows individuals to seek a peace order against someone who conducts intentional visual surveillance (like hidden cameras) in areas of their residence where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as yards or outbuildings. It expands existing peace order protections by adding this specific behavior as a grounds for a petition and requires courts to order the respondent to remove or reposition surveillance devices within 15 days and stop further surveillance. The bill directly affects residents experiencing unauthorized visual monitoring of private property areas, offering a legal remedy through the court system. It amends Maryland’s peace order law to include these specific provisions without changing criminal penalties for the underlying surveillance acts.
HB 343 modifies Maryland's traffic law to allow technicians (not just law enforcement officers) to sign off on speed violation certificates based on reviewing recorded images from speed monitoring systems. The bill requires both law enforcement officers and these technicians to complete specific training about the systems before certifying any violation documents. It directly affects drivers caught speeding by automated systems and the agencies (like local police departments or contracted firms) that operate those systems. The changes update existing code sections to clarify who can certify violations and mandate the required training.
SB 721 allows an individual subject to an existing protective order to consent to having that order become permanent, rather than requiring a court hearing based on conviction or new abuse. It directly affects individuals already under temporary or final protective orders who choose to waive their right to contest a permanent order. The bill specifies that if consent is given, the permanent order can only include the same protections granted in the original order (e.g., no-contact or relocation requirements). It does not change the existing requirements for permanent orders based on criminal convictions or new acts of abuse. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 249 prohibits local Maryland jurisdictions (counties or municipalities) from enforcing laws or ordinances that limit residents' ability to summon law enforcement or emergency services to their homes. It specifically bans local rules that set thresholds (e.g., requiring multiple calls before police respond) or impose penalties (such as fines, lease termination, or rental license revocation) for summoning services. The bill applies to residential property owners, tenants, and short-term rental operators, but excludes regulations about security alarms, property conditions, parking, or non-criminal noise complaints. Residents can use this law as a defense against enforcement actions or seek damages if harmed by violating local rules.
SB 764 designates chromite as Maryland's official state mineral, recognizing its historical significance in the state's mining heritage. The bill adds "Chromite is the State Mineral" to Maryland's legal code, referencing its discovery in Baltimore County in 1808, its role in early chromium production (including Isaac Tyson, Jr.'s contributions), and its presence in multiple Maryland counties. This symbolic designation has no practical policy impact - it does not change regulations, funding, or responsibilities. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 124 requires specific disclosures in residential property contracts when a "wholesale buyer" (a buyer who assigns the contract for a fee) or "wholesale seller" (a seller who assigns their interest without holding title) is involved. It mandates that wholesale buyers disclose in writing to property owners they may assign the contract, and wholesale sellers must disclose in writing to buyers they may not convey title. Homeowners can cancel such contracts without penalty if required disclosures are missing and the contract is assigned, while buyers who cancel due to failed disclosures receive a deposit refund. The law applies only to new contracts signed on or after October 1, 2025, and does not affect existing agreements.
SB 125 prohibits local governments in Maryland from enacting or enforcing laws that limit how residents can summon law enforcement or emergency services to their homes. Specifically, it bans local ordinances that establish thresholds for calls (e.g., "more than 5 calls = nuisance") or penalize property owners, tenants, or short-term rental operators for calling police or emergency services. The bill exempts short-term rentals (like Airbnb) from this prohibition but protects residential tenants and owners from fines, lease terminations, or license revocations tied to summoning help. It also allows affected individuals to defend against such local laws or seek damages if enforced. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 25 establishes a new permit program requiring entities to obtain approval from Maryland's Department of Environment before adding reclaimed water to reservoirs used as drinking water sources. This directly affects water utilities, treatment facilities, and other operators managing reservoirs that supply public drinking water systems. The bill mandates that all reservoir augmentation projects must meet specific water quality standards before water enters both the reservoir and the public distribution system, and requires permit holders to allow department inspections. It also directs certain revenues to fund the program's operation and oversight, creating a formal process for managing this water reuse practice.
