HB 1622 prohibits counties and cities in Maryland from imposing taxes, fees, or charges on ride-hailing services (like Uber or Lyft) during passenger transport. It repeals existing rules allowing local governments to levy per-ride assessments and eliminates the Transportation Network Assessment Fund. The bill also prevents airports and local governments from setting separate fees for ride-hailing services at airport facilities. This applies specifically to commercial ride-hailing services, excluding traditional taxis, volunteer carpooling, and nonprofit transportation.
HB 1496 amends Maryland's vehicle laws by removing motorcycle riders from the legal definition of "vulnerable individual" under Section 21-901.3. This change specifically affects motorcycle riders, excluding them from the category protected under penalties for causing serious injury or death through traffic violations. The bill deletes motorcycle riders (previously listed in subsection (a)(iii)(v)) from the definition, meaning drivers who hit motorcycle riders while violating traffic rules will no longer face the enhanced penalties tied to "causing injury or death to a vulnerable individual." The law retains protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users as defined in the amended section. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 914 amends Maryland's vehicle laws by removing motorcycle riders from the legal definition of "vulnerable individual." This change specifically excludes individuals operating or riding motorcycles on roads from being considered "vulnerable" under the statute that prohibits causing serious injury or death to such individuals through traffic violations. The bill modifies Section 21-901.3 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, deleting motorcycle riders from the list of protected groups (which previously included pedestrians, cyclists, and others). The amendment does not alter penalties for causing injury or death but narrows the scope of who qualifies under this specific legal provision. It takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 827, the "Repair the Transportation Trust Fund Act," repeals the automatic annual increase of motor fuel taxes based on inflation (Consumer Price Index), preventing future tax hikes on gas and other fuels. The bill also prohibits state and local governments from implementing vehicle-miles-traveled taxes or similar fees, while requiring the Maryland Transit Administration to meet specific farebox recovery targets for certain transit services. Additionally, it allows the MTA to raise fares without certain public hearings under defined conditions and bans requirements for devices tracking vehicle miles in private vehicles. These changes directly affect transportation funding, transit fare policies, and vehicle taxation across Maryland.
SB 786 exempts transportation network companies (like ride-sharing apps) contracted with Maryland Transit Administration to provide disability transit services from requiring full criminal history checks and a mandatory employee training course. Instead, these companies must conduct annual background screenings for their drivers serving people with disabilities. The bill directly affects contracted transportation network operators providing disability transit services in Maryland. It modifies Maryland law to adjust requirements specifically for these contracted service providers, replacing certain checks with annual screenings while maintaining safety standards.
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People with Disabilities
SB 106 would repeal Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, ending the requirement for biennial emissions tests and equipment inspections for most vehicles. This directly affects Maryland vehicle owners (primarily those with vehicles from 1977 model year onward) who currently must comply with the program. The bill removes all legal provisions related to the program, including testing requirements, waiver processes for repair costs, and certification rules for repair facilities. It does not create new requirements but eliminates the existing mandate under Maryland law. This repeal would end the state-level enforcement of emissions inspections, though federal requirements may still apply.
HB 183 would end Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program by removing all related provisions from state law, including sections governing emissions testing and inspections. This repeal directly affects most Maryland vehicle owners, eliminating the requirement for biennial emissions tests and equipment inspections for vehicles from the 1977 model year onward. The bill specifically targets the code sections that established the program, including rules for testing schedules, waivers for repair costs, and exemptions for certain hybrid vehicles. If enacted, it would remove the state's mandatory emissions inspection requirement, which currently applies to most registered vehicles in Maryland.
HB 425 prohibits Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration from requiring drivers or license applicants to report a sleep apnea diagnosis. This bill amends Maryland's transportation code (Section 16-118) by adding a new subsection (C-1) that explicitly bans the Administration from mandating such notifications. The law directly affects individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea who hold or apply for driver's licenses. The key change removes an existing reporting obligation, making it unlawful for the DMV to ask about this medical condition. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 281 modifies Maryland's funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by requiring the Governor to withhold 35% of annual capital grants under specific conditions. It directly affects WMATA, the Washington Suburban Transit District, and collective bargaining units, mandating WMATA to submit detailed safety, financial, and ridership reports annually. Key provisions include withholding funds if WMATA receives a modified audit opinion without a corrective plan, fails to develop a rail signaling transition plan by July 2028, or terminates rail operators due to automation. The bill also requires the Governor to include specific appropriations for WMATA's capital costs and Metrorail subsidies in the state budget. This legislation is contingent on Virginia and D.C. enacting similar funding measures.
HB 673 prohibits local or state governments from restricting the sale, purchase, or use of consumer goods (such as vehicles, appliances, or other products) solely based on their energy source - like gasoline, electricity, natural gas, or propane. It repeals existing Maryland laws requiring low-emission vehicle programs and sales rules for zero-emission medium/heavy-duty trucks, ending those specific regulatory requirements. The law applies retroactively to all current restrictions and directly affects consumers, dealers, and manufacturers of energy-source-dependent goods. It does not alter federal emissions standards but removes state-level barriers to using diverse energy sources for everyday products.
