Maryland Bills

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 771: Human Services - Energy Assistance Programs - Administration and Funding

SB 771 moves the administration of Maryland’s electric universal service program from the Public Service Commission to the Office of Home Energy Programs within the Department of Human Services. This program provides energy assistance to low-income households with annual incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, covering bill assistance, weatherization, and arrearage retirement. The bill also expands the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to include fuel assistance programs and updates related definitions and responsibilities across state code sections. These changes aim to streamline program management under a single agency focused on human services.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1327: Key Bridge Heroes Commemoration Day and Memorial Tribute Ceremony

HB 1327 designates March 26 as "Key Bridge Heroes Commemoration Day" in Maryland to honor six workers who died in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024. The bill requires the Governor to annually proclaim this day and specifically name the six deceased workers: Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, Carlos Daniel Hernandez, Jose Mynor Lopez, and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval. It also mandates an official State memorial ceremony in Annapolis on March 26, 2027, to honor their sacrifices and recognize their families. This is a purely commemorative measure with no new policy or funding provisions.

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 853: Economic Development Activity - Nondisclosure Agreements

SB 853 prohibits secrecy contracts (nondisclosure agreements) between individuals and entities involved in economic development activities, specifically including data center operators. It directly affects employees, contractors, and consultants working with such entities by banning these agreements under Maryland law. The bill amends the Economic Development Article to establish Section 1.5-101(B), which explicitly states that no individual may enter into a nondisclosure agreement with a person involved in economic development or data center operations. This change aims to increase transparency for public records related to these activities under the Public Information Act.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SJ 3: Apology and Acknowledgement of the State's Responsibility in Racial Terror Lynchings

This Senate Joint Resolution formally apologizes for Maryland's historical role in 38 documented racial terror lynchings (1854-1933), including failing to protect Black citizens, colluding with local governments to conceal perpetrators, and not passing anti-lynching laws. It specifically acknowledges the state's complicity in violating constitutional rights and erasing Black communities' cultural heritage. The resolution commits Maryland to taking reparative actions as recommended by the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It directly affects Black Marylanders who endured these harms and their descendants, focusing on acknowledgment rather than new legislation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1475: Consumer Protection - Dynamic Pricing Disclosure and Prohibition on Rent-Setting

HB 1475 requires merchants selling goods or services to disclose when prices are set using algorithms that analyze personal data, mandating a clear statement: "THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA." It also prohibits residential landlords or property managers from using software, data analytics, or algorithms to coordinate rent adjustments or lease terms across multiple properties. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to enforcement and penalties. The bill directly affects businesses using dynamic pricing and rental property owners/managers utilizing algorithmic tools for pricing decisions.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1437: Income Tax - Credit for Long-Term Care Premiums

HB 1437 creates a Maryland income tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums paid by residents aged 45 or older. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 100% of eligible premiums (capped at $250 per year per insured person), covering the taxpayer, spouse, or certain family members. The credit is restricted to policies purchased after December 31, 2026, and cannot be claimed for individuals already covered before January 1, 2027, or for multiple taxpayers claiming the same person. The bill also requires annual reports to the legislature on credit usage and its impact on state medical assistance savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1600: Homeowners Associations - Reserve Funding, Meeting Notices, Voting, and Records

HB 1600 requires Maryland homeowners associations with 100 or more lots to post key documents - including declarations, bylaws, meeting minutes, and financial records - on their website or online portal within 30 days. It allows HOAs to secure loans for reserve funding, mandates electronic meeting notices for members, and requires meetings to permit voting via electronic transmission under certain circumstances. The bill ensures lot owners can access financial records and meeting minutes within 21 days (for recent records) or 45 days (for older records) of a written request, while exempting confidential information like medical or personnel records.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1603: Health Insurance - Vision Benefits - Regulation of Insurers and Vision Benefit Managers

HB 1603 establishes new regulations for vision benefit plans and discount plans in Maryland. It requires insurers and vision benefit managers to disclose specific information (like legal name, addresses, and regulatory oversight) on their websites and in communications. The bill also sets rules for contracts with eye care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists), prohibits certain restrictive contract terms, and mandates fair reimbursement procedures. These changes directly affect insurers, vision benefit managers, and eye care providers participating in vision benefit programs. The bill repeals an existing section and adds new sections (15-2201-15-2213) to Maryland’s Insurance Article.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1601: Real Property - Deeds - Recordation Requirements

HB 1601 requires that deeds for residential property transactions include the name of the title insurance company and the policy number when title insurance was obtained for the sale. This applies directly to home buyers, sellers, and title insurers during the property transfer process. The bill amends Maryland law to add this specific detail as a mandatory requirement for deeds presented to county recorders. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, aiming to improve transparency in residential property records.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 770: Korean American Day

This bill designates January 13 as Korean American Day in Maryland. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation urging educational and cultural organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The bill is procedural and commemorative, with no funding or new policy requirements. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not directly impact individuals or create new legal obligations.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1309: Commission to Review and Assess Racial Disparities in the State Criminal Justice System - Establishment

HB 1309 establishes a Commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system, directly affecting African American, Hispanic, and other non-White individuals who experience disproportionate treatment. The Commission, composed of legislative leaders, public defenders, prosecutors, court officials, and community advocates, will examine disparities in policing, arrests, sentencing, and data collection. It will specifically assess cumulative impacts of disparate practices, mandatory minimums (including firearm offenses), and propose reforms like race-neutral risk assessments and expanded judicial discretion. The Commission must make recommendations by 2028, focusing on systemic changes to improve transparency and reduce racial inequities without implementing new laws itself.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1262: Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Restrictions

HB 1262 restricts federal law enforcement officers' powers in Maryland, requiring them to act in accordance with state law when conducting arrests or executing warrants. It prohibits racial profiling by all law enforcement officers and bans agencies from retaliating against officers who report such profiling. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies develop written policies addressing racial profiling by a specified deadline and creates civil lawsuits for violations. These changes directly affect federal officers operating in Maryland, state/local agencies, and individuals interacting with law enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results