SB 393 removes a $1 million cost limit for community college facility projects (like repairs or upgrades) that qualify for state grants. It requires the Governor to appropriate 5% of funds allocated to the Community College Construction Grant Program annually for the Facilities Renewal Program, and to make up any shortfall if that program receives less than $80 million. The bill increases the annual grant limit from eight to sixteen and mandates equal funding distribution among eligible colleges if the total appropriation falls below $4 million. These changes directly affect Maryland community colleges seeking state funding for facility maintenance and improvements.
This bill requires manufacturers and sellers in Maryland to label products made using modern biotechnology (like gene editing or RNA interference) that alter gene structure or function. Such products must display the phrase "Gene Structure- or Function-Modifying Product" prominently, along with information about potential effects on users or others who may contact them. Businesses violating this rule face misdemeanor charges, fines up to $25,000 for repeat offenses, or civil penalties of $5,000 per violation. The law, effective October 1, 2026, directly affects companies selling these biotech products within Maryland.
HB 209 requires health care providers to obtain explicit, written consent from both patients receiving assisted reproductive treatment (like IVF or egg/sperm donation) and donors before using their reproductive material. It prohibits providers from using their own sperm or eggs without patient consent, misrepresenting donor information (such as genetic history), or using donor material without proper consent. Violations can result in civil penalties (up to $50,000 per violation) or felony charges (up to 10 years in prison) for intentional misuse. The bill directly affects fertility clinics, patients seeking treatment, and donors, ensuring transparency and accountability in reproductive care.
HB 100 would expand eligibility for Maryland's Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program to include individuals who were eligible for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Benefit. This change would directly affect current or former Chapter 35 beneficiaries applying for the scholarship, who previously lacked automatic eligibility under the program. The bill adds a new qualifying category to the existing criteria (such as military dependents, 9/11 victims' families, and school employee dependents) and establishes two verification methods: submitting a Chapter 35 certificate or having a school official verify eligibility. The proposed changes would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.
HB 224 would have established a voluntary program to help individuals released from Maryland state prisons access essential benefits before their release. It required coordination between three state agencies to create a standardized prerelease application process for SNAP (food assistance), Temporary Cash Assistance, and Medicaid. The program would have provided in-person help at correctional facilities to gather required documents like birth certificates and income proof, ensuring benefits were available immediately upon release. The bill was withdrawn by its sponsor on February 9, 2026, and never became law.
HB 440 requires Maryland's Department of Health to create a new reimbursement system for Medicaid providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The system would allow higher payment rates for qualifying services, include recurring adjustments to support provider access and service quality, and prioritize rate increases for services needing extra time, communication support, or specialized training. However, the bill only takes effect if federal funds become available by December 31, 2036, under the Health Equity for Adults with Disabilities Act or similar programs; otherwise, it becomes void. If federal funding is secured, the new reimbursement structure would begin on October 1, 2026.
HB 105 requires restaurants in Maryland to provide written disclosure of main food allergens (like peanuts, dairy, or shellfish) present in each menu item, using accessible formats such as menus, handouts, or digital displays. It directly affects restaurants (excluding grocery stores) and customers with food allergies by mandating this transparency. The bill also removes criminal penalties for noncompliance (previously up to 90 days in jail or $1,000 fines), limiting enforcement to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law was scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026, but the bill was withdrawn by its sponsor on February 9, 2026.
HB 430 prohibits the Maryland Department of Health from setting an upper age limit for eligibility in the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program. It amends Maryland law (specifically Section 15-138(e)(3) of the Health-General article) to explicitly ban the department from restricting program access based on age. This directly affects employed individuals with disabilities who would otherwise risk losing eligibility solely due to age. The bill ensures that age cannot be a barrier to receiving EID Program services, which provide health care under Maryland's Medical Assistance Program. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 659 prohibits health insurance carriers from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits for health care services provided by eligible providers participating in value-based care contracts. It directly affects insurers and healthcare providers (such as physicians or group practices) enrolled in two-sided incentive arrangements that tie payments to patient outcomes and cost efficiency. The bill amends Maryland’s insurance code to exempt these specific services from utilization review requirements while establishing contract terms for such arrangements, including limits on recoupment (max 50% of excess costs) and mandatory quarterly data sharing about patient costs. The policy change applies only to services covered under these defined value-based contracts, not all health care services.
HB 1448 prohibits Maryland research facilities required to submit USDA Form 7023 from using traditional animal testing methods when an approved alternative nonanimal method exists or a waiver is granted by the regulating federal/state agency. It requires these facilities to annually report details of their testing methods (including reasons for using animals, animal numbers, or alternative methods used) to the Attorney General by January 20 each year, starting in 2027. The Attorney General must make these reports publicly available by April 20 each year. The bill excludes biomedical research on disease processes and tests mandated by federal agencies. It takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 1298 clarifies the definition of "practice audiology" in Maryland law to explicitly include ordering and performing nonradiographic scanning/imaging of the ear for auditory or vestibular conditions, along with related procedures like cerumen removal and specific bloodwork. The bill expands audiology practice to cover these diagnostic services while maintaining exclusions for surgical procedures (e.g., ear surgery, cochlear implant surgery) and radiographic imaging preparation. This directly affects licensed audiologists in Maryland who provide ear and balance care, allowing them to perform these specific diagnostic steps within their scope. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and do not alter existing licensing or certification requirements.
SB 1047 restricts fundraising activities by Maryland state elected officials during regular legislative sessions. It prohibits the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and State legislators (or their representatives) from receiving contributions, hosting events, or soliciting funds for federal, state, or local candidates or campaign committees while the legislature is in session. Exceptions include activities solely related to an official’s own election campaign, gubernatorial public financing under specific rules, and accepting electronic contributions made before the session began. Violations result in civil penalties paid into the Fair Campaign Financing Fund.
