State Contracts - Prohibited Provisions - Exemptions

SB 77 exempts specific contracts entered by Maryland's Office of International Trade (under §3-303 of the Economic Development Article) from standard prohibitions on certain contract terms. It removes restrictions that normally prevent state contracts from including provisions requiring state indemnification without funding, binding arbitration, or limiting liability for negligence. This exemption directly affects contracts the Office of International Trade uses to develop international business activities and opportunities. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not change general contract rules for other state agencies.