HB 918 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Baltimore City - Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Smoking Devices - Enforcement and Licensure

HB 918 authorizes Baltimore City to create and enforce local laws that are stricter than state rules for regulating the sale and distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. It allows the Baltimore City Council and Mayor to implement these stricter local rules, while still requiring compliance with state licensing and tax laws under Title 12 of Maryland’s Tax-General Article. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects Baltimore City’s ability to tailor tobacco and e-cigarette regulations to local needs.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Baltimore City - Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Smoking Devices - Local Laws Authorization → Third - Baltimore City - Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Smoking Devices - Enforcement and Licensure · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to shift from a general authorization for Baltimore City to create a specific enforcement officer and establish a formal licensure system. Key changes include adding a new role for a 'Special Enforcement Officer,' creating a fee structure where 50% of Baltimore's license fees are sent to the Family League of Baltimore City, and requiring applicants to obtain a 'licensure authorization' from the Mayor and City Council before applying for a license.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a broad authorization for local laws to include specific state-level enforcement mechanisms, a new licensing requirement for Baltimore City, and a dedicated funding stream for a local advocacy organization.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a new role for a 'Special Enforcement Officer' in Baltimore City agencies to enforce tobacco laws and gave the Executive Director power to reprimand, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations.

ADDED

Established a new requirement for Baltimore City applicants to obtain a 'licensure authorization' from the Mayor and City Council before applying for a county license.

FISCAL

Mandated that 50% of licensure authorization request fees collected in Baltimore City be distributed to the Family League of Baltimore City, Inc., proportional to the number of licensees in each legislative district.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new section (16-302.1) requiring applicants in Baltimore City to submit a licensure authorization issued under the new rules.

SCOPE

The bill's title and purpose were updated to explicitly include 'Enforcement and Licensure' rather than just 'Local Laws Authorization.'

Floor votes · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

How they voted

107–10

Passed · 25 other

Total votes 142

Apr 2, 2026

D Democratic103

90 Yea 13

87% Yea

R Republican39

17 Yea 10 Nay 12

43% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

lower

Apr 2, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (107-10-25)

house of delegates

Feb 5, 2026

Committee

First Reading Economic Matters

lower

11 primary · 0 co-sponsors