SB 791 (the Community Trust Act) prohibits employees of Maryland state and local correctional facilities from asking about or detaining individuals based on immigration status, notifying federal immigration authorities without a court order, or transferring people to federal authorities without a judicial warrant. It allows limited exceptions only for routine booking procedures or when immigration status affects legal protections under state/federal law or international treaties. The bill requires correctional facilities to adopt compliance policies with penalties for violations and gives affected individuals the right to sue for damages if their rights are breached. This directly affects correctional staff and facilities, not the general public.
This bill authorizes the University System of Maryland to issue $50 million in bonds ($26 million for specific projects and $24 million for systemwide facility renewals) to fund academic facility improvements. It directly affects three University System of Maryland campuses (Towson University, University of Maryland College Park, and the System Office) by financing projects like electrical upgrades, a new health complex, and deferred maintenance repairs. The bonds are explicitly non-state debt, meaning they do not count as Maryland's obligation or require state funding. The bill approves specific construction and renewal projects to modernize academic infrastructure without creating new state liabilities. It takes effect June 1, 2026.
HB 854 establishes a state grant program to fund renovations and improvements at eligible nonpublic special education schools in Maryland. The program provides grants for classroom renovations, safety upgrades to residential facilities, health/safety accessibility work, infrastructure modernization, and new construction to meet state standards. Eligible schools must operate with a licensed residential treatment center, offer an approved curriculum (high school credits or K-8 programs), and serve students placed through state education programs. The Interagency Commission on School Construction will administer the program, with funding proposed annually in the state budget.
HB 1587 removes a limit on handheld devices displaying bingo cards (previously capped at 54) and increases the maximum number of electronic instant bingo machines operators may use. It eliminates the requirement for paper tickets for each game, unless a player specifically requests one. The bill directly affects gaming venues operating electronic bingo machines in Maryland. These changes modify existing regulations to allow more flexible operation of electronic bingo systems under state law.
SB 467 extends annual funding for Maryland's Child Care Credential Program, directly affecting child care workers pursuing or holding approved credentials (like child development associate or administrator credentials). It revises funding requirements by mandating the Governor appropriate $4 million for fiscal year 2021, with 10% annual increases through 2024. Crucially, starting in fiscal year 2028, funding must be at least equal to the 2024 level, creating a fixed funding floor. The bill ensures ongoing support for credential holders through achievement bonuses, training reimbursements, or vouchers without altering the program's core eligibility or benefits.
SB 982 allows mutual insurance holding companies in Maryland to convert their structure to become mutual insurers (companies owned by policyholders rather than shareholders). To do this, companies must create a detailed plan of conversion approved by their board, 75% of voting members, and the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The plan requires existing policies to remain in effect, membership interests to transfer to the new mutual insurer, and the converted company to maintain sufficient funds for policyholder protection. This bill amends Maryland’s insurance laws to establish these requirements and streamline the conversion process.
SB 808 amends Maryland's health insurance laws to change how health insurance carriers manage provider panels. It eliminates application fees carriers can charge providers, requires carriers to send specific notices to providers within set timeframes, and mandates more frequent updates to provider directories. The bill also expands the types of providers carriers cannot restrict on panels and updates rules for multi-carrier online directory systems. These changes directly affect health insurance carriers and healthcare providers seeking to join insurance networks.
SB 891 requires health insurance companies in Maryland to provide pregnant individuals and those up to one year postpartum with a standing referral to a mental health provider without needing a new authorization each time. It also mandates coverage for perinatal mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum, and directs the Maryland Department of Health to create a screening program. Additionally, the bill requires health professionals renewing licenses to complete continuing education on perinatal mental health conditions. These provisions directly affect insurers, pregnant/postpartum individuals, mental health providers, and health license holders.
HB 500 removes two requirements that previously limited the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion and coins. Specifically, it eliminates the $1,000 minimum sale price and the requirement that sales must occur at the Baltimore Convention Center. The bill expands the exemption to cover all qualifying precious metal bullion (refined metal where value depends on metal content) and historically used coins, while still excluding jewelry and art. This change directly affects buyers and sellers of these items by making the exemption available for more transactions without location or price restrictions. The exemption will apply to all qualifying sales starting July 1, 2026.
This bill sets new salary schedules for the Howard County Sheriff and State's Attorney, effective October 1, 2026. It establishes specific annual compensation amounts for both positions through 2030, with the Sheriff's salary tied to a police management schedule for the first year of their term and the State's Attorney's salary linked to a District Court judge's pay for 2026. The legislation also includes a provision ensuring these salary changes apply only to officials whose terms begin after the act takes effect, except for those appointed or elected to fill unexpired terms.
HB 1599 establishes Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program within the Department of Natural Resources. The program provides $2 million annually (starting fiscal year 2028) from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund oyster propagation and replenishment projects. These projects specifically mitigate harm to the state's oyster population caused by transportation projects at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including dredging, pier/bridge construction, and channel maintenance. The law requires the Governor to include this funding in the annual budget bill, directly affecting oyster restoration groups and transportation project developers needing to offset environmental impacts.
HB 1598 modifies Maryland's Racetrack Facility Renewal Account grants for horse racing facilities. It changes the requirement for racing licensees (like those operating Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs Racetrack) to provide a matching fund for capital construction grants, making it optional instead of mandatory. Licensees receiving grants without a matching fund must now commit to conducting live racing in Maryland for at least 10 years after completing their capital improvements. The bill also adds provisions allowing the State Racing Commission to recapture grant funds if licensees fail to meet these requirements or live racing commitments. These changes apply specifically to licensees at the two racetracks covered under the existing grant program.
