HB 452 requires the Maryland Green Building Council to update outdoor lighting guidelines by October 2026, focusing on reducing light pollution and setting a color temperature limit of 3,000K or lower for new fixtures. It prohibits state funds from being used for outdoor lighting on state buildings, parks, or trails unless fixtures meet specific efficiency standards, including using 3,000K or cooler light, minimizing upward light spill, and providing only necessary illumination. Exemptions include Department of Transportation projects, correctional facilities, and sports field lighting. The bill also creates a waiver process for special lighting needs and mandates a Department of Transportation review of highway lighting practices by September 2026.
SB 207 requires automatic revocation of a driver's license for individuals convicted of (or granted probation before judgment for) impaired driving that causes death or life-threatening injury, or for failing to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The bill affects drivers found guilty of these specific offenses under Maryland law. It mandates a minimum 5-year waiting period before applying for license reinstatement after such revocations, and requires participation in an Ignition Interlock Program for those convicted of failing to remain at the scene causing death or injury. The bill amends Maryland's transportation code to implement these specific revocation and reinstatement rules.
SB 964 creates a 3-year program (2025-2028) allowing Dorchester County to contract private companies for well and on-site sewage disposal system inspections and maintenance. It requires private providers to be state-licensed environmental health specialists with relevant experience, and mandates the Department of the Environment to oversee the program with annual audits, fee caps, and public health safeguards. The program applies only to Dorchester County, with local health authorities reviewing all work performed under it. This framework aims to streamline system oversight while ensuring consumer protections and environmental safety during the pilot period.
SB 603 authorizes an annual $350,000 appropriation starting in fiscal year 2027 for the University of Maryland, College Park’s TerpsEXCEED Program. This program provides educational and employment support specifically to students with intellectual disabilities. The funding covers direct services like academic advising, career development courses, internship coordination, and connections to disability support agencies. It aims to create sustainable support for the program’s operations and future expansion. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB 881 requires all child support payments received in a month to fully pass through to families enrolled in Maryland's Family Investment Program (FIP) and prohibits local agencies from counting child support when calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This bill amends Maryland law to ensure child support payments do not reduce FIP assistance amounts or SNAP benefits for eligible households. It specifically updates Section 5-310(a)(4) of the Maryland Code to disregard all child support in benefit calculations, rather than the current partial disregard. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, directly affecting low-income families receiving FIP or SNAP benefits.
This bill establishes Maryland's Holocaust Education Assistance Grant Program within the State Department of Education. It provides funding to public school systems for Holocaust education, specifically allowing grants to cover teacher training or teaching materials related to the Holocaust. The program allocates $500,000 annually, with no school system receiving more than $50,000 in a single fiscal year. The bill directly affects Maryland public schools seeking to enhance Holocaust education curriculum and professional development.
HB 1121 establishes a temporary pilot program to help foster youth aged 16-22 access childcare subsidies. It directly affects youth who were in state foster care at age 18 or older, removing specific barriers like proof of employment, parental information, or parental authorization from the application process. The program, running from 2026-2028, requires the Department to track subsidy usage monthly and report annually to the legislature on progress. It aims to simplify access to childcare support during critical transitions to adulthood. The bill does not change subsidy amounts but streamlines eligibility for this specific group.
HB 102 creates an optional enrollment program allowing self-employed individuals (like sole proprietors or small business owners with no employees) to join Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. It repeals current requirements for self-employed people to pay contributions and be subject to benefit rules, instead requiring the Department of Labor to adopt regulations by July 2027 outlining contribution amounts, benefit levels, and enrollment steps. Self-employed participants must enroll for a minimum 3-year period initially, with options to renew annually. This bill directly affects self-employed Maryland residents seeking leave benefits, expanding program access beyond traditional employees.
HB 1207 increases pay for elected members of the Montgomery County Board of Education, setting tiered annual compensation: $25,000 ending November 2025, $62,000 starting December 2025, and $124,000 starting December 2026. The bill also establishes new education benefits for the student member, replacing prior scholarship language with a 40% scholarship (plus 10% stipend) for terms ending in 2026, and 80% (plus 20%) starting in 2026 - both tied to elected members' annual pay. These changes apply to terms beginning after the bill's effective date of July 1, 2025, with salary increases taking effect at the start of each new term. The bill directly affects Montgomery County Board of Education members (elected and student) and modifies their compensation structure per Maryland Code.
HB 1524 changes how Wicomico County's school board members are elected and compensated. It replaces the previous system (five districts plus two at-large seats) with all seven voting members elected from specific councilmanic districts starting in 2026. The bill also adds a non-voting student member position for 11th or 12th graders in Wicomico County Public Schools, who serve one year and advise the board. Additionally, it sets minimum annual compensation for board members ($4,000 for chair, $3,700 for others) and establishes reimbursement procedures for travel expenses.
HB 633 clarifies that skills-based amusement devices (like arcade games requiring skill) are excluded from Maryland's definition of "slot machine." The bill allows these devices to award noncash prizes - such as merchandise, tickets, or tokens - but restricts each play to a minimal value approved by the State Lottery Commission. Accumulated prizes must be exchanged for merchandise or prizes of comparable total value, preventing cash-like payouts. This directly affects businesses operating such devices, including family entertainment centers, by defining permissible prize structures under gaming regulations.
HB 427 creates a new "emeritus status" for retired certified public accountants (CPAs) in Maryland who meet specific experience and age requirements. To qualify, CPAs must have practiced for at least 20 years in the state (and be 60+ years old) or have 40+ years of experience, be retired, and not face investigations or disciplinary actions. Once approved, these CPAs are exempt from continuing education requirements and reinstatement fees but cannot practice, sign financial documents, or provide audit services. The State Board of Public Accountancy must review applications within 60 days and can reinstate a license if the CPA meets standard renewal criteria like paying fees and completing education.
