HB 998 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – 46th Alcoholic Beverages District

HB 998 modifies Baltimore City's alcohol licensing rules. It authorizes the transfer of a specific Class B-D-7 license from the 40th district (Washington Boulevard) to the 46th district (South High Street), and allows establishments in the 46th district to serve donated alcohol at nonprofit events held on their premises under strict conditions. The bill also extends the expiration date for a license at Eastern Avenue until July 1, 2027, to facilitate renewal and transfer to a new location. These changes apply only to designated areas within Baltimore City's 46th alcoholic beverages district.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

Third - Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – 46th Alcoholic Beverages District → Enrolled - Baltimore City – Alcoholic Beverages – 46th Alcoholic Beverages District · 6 edits · May 26, 2026

MODERATE

The bill evolved from a simple transfer authorization into a comprehensive regulatory package for Baltimore's 46th Alcoholic Beverages District. It now authorizes a new Class 7 micro-brewery license, allows specific license holders to apply for 7-day sales privileges, and mandates the Board establish a standard template for memoranda of understanding with neighborhood associations. Additionally, the bill introduces tiered penalties for violations and extends the expiration date for a specific license to facilitate a transfer.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a single transfer authorization to include new licensing categories (micro-brewery), conditional sales privileges, and new administrative requirements for license applications.

SCOPE

Authorization for a new Class 7 micro-brewery license, allowing brewers to operate in two locations with specific restrictions on selling at the second site.

ELIGIBILITY

New eligibility criteria for a 7-day sales privilege for certain Class D license holders in the 46th district.

Added a specific condition requiring a letter of support from the 'Ridgely's Delight Association' for issuing a Class B-D-7 license transfer.

REQUIREMENT

Mandate for the Board to establish a standard template for memoranda of understanding between license applicants and neighborhood associations by January 1, 2027.

ENFORCEMENT

Requirement for the Board to adopt regulations establishing tiered penalties for license violations.

TIMELINE

Extended the expiration date for a specific license until July 1, 2027, to allow for transfer and renewal purposes.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 16, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Mar 16, 2026

D Democratic36

33 Yea 3

91% Yea

R Republican13

12 Yea 1

92% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 844

executive

Apr 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Enrolled

lower

Apr 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 10, 2026

Introduced

House Concurs Senate Amendments

lower

Apr 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Introduced

Floor Amendment {

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted

upper

Mar 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Finance

upper

Mar 25, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (129-0-13)

house of delegates

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 16, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (45-0-4)

senate

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors