HB 1217 modifies Maryland's building energy standards by adding specific exemptions for certain covered buildings. It exempts facilities housing "permanent sensitive compartmented information facilities" (like military or government sites) and excludes energy use related to sterilization and emergency backup power in healthcare, laboratories, and similar facilities from emissions targets. The bill updates existing requirements that mandate 20% emissions reductions by 2030 and net-zero by 2040 for commercial buildings over 35,000 sq. ft. These changes clarify which building types and energy uses are not subject to the energy use intensity targets under Maryland law.
HB 1350 changes how child abuse and neglect reports are handled in Maryland. It requires mandatory reporters (like teachers, healthcare workers, and social service staff) to submit reports directly to the State Department of Human Services (DHS) instead of local social services or police. The bill creates a centralized DHS intake system to record, assess report validity, and assign cases to local departments for investigation. It specifically updates reporting procedures for substance-exposed newborns and cases involving individuals registered for child-related offenses. This reform aims to streamline reporting while maintaining direct oversight by local agencies for investigations.
HB 1476 modifies Maryland’s net energy metering program by ending the current standard tariff when total customer-generator capacity reaches 3,000 megawatts or a successor program is implemented. It requires the Public Service Commission to develop and implement a new successor program by December 2026, which must balance incentives for distributed solar/wind generation, minimize costs for utility customers, and ensure fair compensation while considering grid needs and energy equity. The successor program will remain available until combined capacity from both the old and new programs reaches 6,000 megawatts. This bill directly affects residential and commercial solar/wind owners, utilities, and all Maryland ratepayers through changes to how distributed energy is compensated and integrated into the grid.
This bill requires Maryland's Department of Health to replace its outdated Medicaid mainframe system with a modern, modular system by 2028. The new system must maintain all current Medicaid functions - including provider enrollment, claims processing, and data reporting - while improving security, accuracy, and performance. The Department must integrate the replacement with the Medicaid Enterprise System by January 2027 and fully transition all applications from the old system by January 2028, decommissioning the legacy system afterward. This change directly affects the Department’s internal operations, not Medicaid beneficiaries or providers, and aligns with federal requirements for Medicaid IT systems.
SB 967 modifies Maryland law to expand appeal options for individuals who disagree with decisions made by local historic preservation commissions. It allows these individuals to appeal to either their local jurisdiction's board of appeals or the circuit court (in addition to existing appeal paths), directly affecting property owners, developers, or residents challenging preservation rulings. The key provision (Section 8-308(B)) gives local governments the authority to establish these new appeal routes, streamlining the process for those seeking review of commission decisions. This change applies specifically to historic preservation matters under Maryland's land use framework.
HB 1498 prohibits the Wicomico County Board of License Commissioners from issuing new Class A beer, wine, and liquor licenses to establishments with retail floor space exceeding 3,500 square feet, effective July 1, 2026. It allows renewal for existing Class B license holders who operated as restaurants before July 1, 2026, but bars new applications for such licenses. The bill also limits the total number of Class A licenses to three countywide and one per council district. These changes apply only to new license applications after the effective date, with existing licenses grandfathered under the prior rules.
HB 1552 establishes a new "Class L" license for alcohol sales, directly affecting existing beverage manufacturers (like breweries or wineries) who already hold a manufacturer’s license. The license allows these businesses to sell their own beer, wine, and liquor, or products from other manufacturers, for on-premises consumption at their facility, including providing free samples. It sets an annual fee of $250 and requires sales hours to match those of the underlying manufacturer’s license. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 766 creates a new "Premium Cigar Lounge" (Class C-PCL) alcoholic beverages license for tobacco retailers that primarily sell premium cigars and pipe tobacco. It allows these licensed businesses to serve alcohol on-premises under specific conditions: customers must bring their own alcohol, purchase an item from the business, and have staff certified in alcohol awareness. The bill exempts these lounges from Maryland's Clean Indoor Air Act (while requiring air filtration plans and clear smoking signage) and prohibits tobacco licenses adjacent to healthcare or childcare facilities. Businesses must also maintain 70% of daily sales from cigars/accessories and submit annual sales reports to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission.
HB 1477 establishes Maryland's Ibogaine Clinical Research Grant Program to fund clinical trials on ibogaine - a naturally occurring compound from the iboga plant - for treating opioid use disorder and other neurological conditions. The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Health in consultation with the Department of Veterans and Military Families, awards up to three annual grants to eligible research institutions in Maryland that meet specific criteria (including expertise in neurological disorders and substance use treatment) and require matching funds equal to the grant amount. Funding comes from $500,000 annually (fiscal years 2028-2030) in the Opioid Restitution Fund, with recipients required to conduct FDA-overseen trials and submit quarterly progress and financial reports. The bill aligns with the "Veterans Mental Health Innovations Act" title but does not restrict trials to veterans, focusing instead on broader neurological and opioid use disorder research.
SB 690 requires Maryland property and casualty insurance companies to contribute $5 million annually, starting July 1, 2026, from their premium tax revenue to the State Disaster Recovery Fund. This fund, established under Maryland law, supports disaster recovery efforts across the state. The bill amends Maryland's insurance code to mandate this specific annual distribution, directly affecting insurers by altering how a portion of their tax payments is allocated. It creates a concrete, automatic transfer of funds without new tax rates or eligibility requirements.
HB 1023 prohibits the sale, distribution, manufacturing, or offering for sale of lab-grown meat (defined as meat cultured from animal cells outside the animal) for human consumption within Maryland. It directly affects businesses producing or selling lab-grown meat products in the state. The bill imposes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and authorizes the Secretary to seize or condemn prohibited products. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 515 requires that hospital representatives on Maryland's county drug overdose fatality review teams hold specific leadership roles - such as vice president, chief medical officer, or assistant medical officer - instead of any hospital staff member. This change directly affects county-level review teams that analyze overdose deaths, as well as the hospitals participating in them. The bill amends existing law to specify these qualifications for hospital representatives within the team membership structure. It does not create new teams or funding but sets a clearer standard for who can serve in this role. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
