SB 525 allows individuals with past misdemeanor convictions to petition for record expungement after completing their sentence (5 years) and those with felony convictions after 7 years. Courts may grant expungement if they find "good cause," considering factors like the crime's nature, rehabilitation progress, public safety risk, and how the conviction affects employment, housing, or education. If denied, the petition cannot be appealed, and the person must wait 3 years before reapplying for the same conviction. The bill amends Maryland's criminal procedure code and takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 635 modifies Maryland's landlord-tenant law to allow landlords to enter rented properties without written notice in two specific situations: (1) during emergencies threatening property, occupant safety, or other tenants' health/safety, or (2) when completing repairs requested in writing by the tenant, either within 7 days of the request or while actively working on the repair. This change affects landlords and tenants in rental housing by removing the standard 24-hour written notice requirement for these scenarios, while maintaining the existing rule that routine entries must occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday unless otherwise agreed in writing. The bill amends Section 8-221(b) of the Maryland Annotated Code and takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 745 makes Maryland's senior income tax credit refundable, allowing eligible residents aged 65 or older to receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their state tax liability. The credit applies to single seniors with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 ($1,000 credit) and married couples filing jointly with income under $150,000 ($1,750 credit, or $1,000 if only one spouse qualifies). In specific fiscal years when state revenue estimates fall more than 3.75% below projections, the credit amount is reduced to $500 for singles ($50,000-$100,000 income) or $875 for married couples ($100,000-$150,000 income). This change ensures seniors receive the full credit amount as a refund rather than losing unused portions under previous non-refundable rules.
SB 604 prohibits child placement agencies from denying adoption applications based on characteristics like marital status, having other children, not owning a home, or being divorced/separated. It also bans discrimination against adoptive parents or children based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender identity. The bill extends these protections to foster care providers, forbidding discrimination against foster parents, prospective foster parents, or children in foster care due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. It further requires all entities receiving funds from Maryland’s Department of Human Services - including local agencies and service providers - to avoid discrimination in services and employment based on race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other listed traits, with limited exceptions for valid reasons like criminal history or health concerns. This law aims to ensure fair access to adoption, foster care, and human services across Maryland.
HB 871 requires Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to implement an enhanced automatic voter registration system for eligible applicants during specific transactions, such as driver's license applications or renewals. The system automatically registers eligible residents to vote unless they explicitly decline, after which the MVA must provide a clear "enhanced notice" explaining registration eligibility, qualifications, and opt-out options. Voter registration data from applicants who don’t decline must be transmitted electronically to the State Board of Elections within 5 days. This applies primarily to MVA interactions but could expand to other agencies like social services or health exchanges with their consent. The bill aims to streamline voter registration while ensuring applicants understand their rights and choices.
SB 548 requires Maryland courts to determine custody before awarding child support in certain cases - specifically when a parent requests it and no prior custody determination exists. The bill establishes a conclusive presumption that applying standard child support guidelines would be unjust if parents mutually agree their private agreement serves the child’s best interests. It also creates a rebuttable presumption that guidelines apply unless evidence shows they would be unfair, considering factors like existing separation agreements or the obligor’s income. Courts must provide written findings explaining any deviation from guidelines, including the guideline amount and how the order serves the child’s best interests. This bill directly affects parents negotiating child support and courts handling family law cases in Maryland.
HB 887 requires that for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, $200,000 of the local impact grants distributed to Cecil County from video lottery terminal proceeds must be allocated for prize money at races held at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. This bill directly affects Cecil County and the Fair Hill facility, as it mandates a specific use of a portion of the county's video lottery funds. The change modifies existing state law to direct these funds toward local racing events at Fair Hill, rather than allowing general county use. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 857 modifies Maryland's income tax rules to reduce the tax deduction for military retirement income for retirees under age 55. Currently, those under 55 receive a $12,500 deduction, but this bill would lower it to $20,000 (effectively increasing their taxable income by $7,500 annually). The change applies to military retirement income received during the taxable year, directly affecting Maryland residents who are military retirees under 55. The bill amends Section 10-207(q) of Maryland's tax code and takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 763 repeals a requirement that speed monitoring system citations must include a statement advising recipients that failure to pay or contest is an admission of liability. The bill modifies Maryland's transportation code (Section 21-809(d)(1)(xi)) to remove this specific language while retaining all other citation details and consequences, such as registration refusal or suspension for non-payment. This change directly affects drivers who receive automated speed violation notices via mail. The policy shift simplifies the citation notice by eliminating the "admission of liability" warning, though penalties and contest procedures remain unchanged.
HB 761 modifies Maryland's income tax code to increase the tax break for military retirees. It removes the age requirement for the full tax deduction on military retirement income, raising the deduction from $12,500 (under 55) or $20,000 (55+) to $25,000 for 2026-2026 and $40,000 starting in 2027. This directly affects Maryland residents who receive military retirement income from active or reserve service, including death benefits. The bill amends Section 10-207(q) of Maryland’s tax code to apply the higher deduction regardless of the retiree’s age. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 834 amends Maryland's definition of child neglect to explicitly include a parent or caregiver's failure to provide a child with education required by law. This change directly affects parents or guardians responsible for a child's schooling, making educational neglect a specific form of neglect under state law. The bill alters Section 5-701(s)(2) of Maryland's Family Law code to state that "neglect" includes "the failure or refusal to provide to a child the education required by law." The updated definition takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all children under 18. This is a technical legal change to the existing neglect definition, not a new program or funding measure.
HB 830 requires local election boards to verify both a voter's signature and a witness signature on absentee ballot return envelopes before counting the ballot, with exceptions for active-duty military members overseas and their spouses/dependents living overseas. This directly affects all voters who request absentee ballots in Maryland, ensuring ballots meet specific signature requirements for processing. The bill mandates that election boards compare voter signatures against registration records using technology to be implemented within one year of the law's effective date. It amends existing election law to add these verification steps and clarify when witness signatures are not required.
