Maryland Bills

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 756: Law Enforcement - Use of Facial Recognition Technology - Images Captured in Dwelling Interior

HB 756 allows Maryland law enforcement to use facial recognition technology to investigate specific crimes when the image was captured inside a dwelling (a structure adapted for overnight accommodation). It permits this use only for investigating first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and certain burglary or trespass offenses (first/third/fourth-degree burglary, trespass on posted property, or wanton trespass on private property). The bill does not expand general use of facial recognition but creates a narrow exception for images obtained inside homes during these specific investigations. This change modifies existing law to permit the technology in these limited circumstances, while maintaining broader restrictions on its use for other crimes or contexts.

Topics ✗ Technology

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 796: Recycling - Prohibition on the Chemical Conversion of Plastic

HB 796 redefines "recycling" in Maryland law to exclude specific chemical processes that convert plastic waste into fuel or feedstock. It directly affects companies or entities planning to build new facilities using these methods. The bill prohibits constructing such facilities through processes like pyrolysis, gasification, methanolysis, hydropyrolysis, or enzymatic breakdown, as defined by the state Department. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 799: Maryland Co-Location Energy Innovation and Reliability Act

HB 799 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to create regulations for generating stations co-located with data centers that operate independently - without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects data center operators and energy generators by exempting these facilities from state renewable energy mandates, distribution fees, and retail electricity regulations. Key provisions include mandating on-site backup power, cybersecurity safeguards, and annual reports on energy sources, environmental impact, and contributions to state energy goals. The bill aims to establish clear rules for off-grid energy systems while ensuring reliability and accountability.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Energy ✗ Environment ✓ Technology

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 603: Mattress Stewardship Program - Establishment

SB 603 establishes a mandatory mattress recycling program in Maryland, requiring mattress producers and their representatives to submit stewardship plans to the Department of the Environment. The bill prohibits landfill disposal and incineration of mattresses after specific dates (with limited exceptions) and mandates an assessment on all mattresses sold in the state to fund recycling. Retailers must provide consumers with information about the program, while the Department must approve plans and oversee the Mattress Stewardship Advisory Board. This aims to divert mattresses from waste streams, aligning with Maryland’s sustainable materials management goals and modeled after successful programs in other states.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 863: Gun Theft Felony Act of 2026

HB 863 reclassifies the theft of a firearm as a felony under Maryland law, previously treated as a lower-level offense. It establishes felony penalties based on the firearm's value: up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine for theft valued at $1,500-$25,000, up to 10 years for $25,000-$100,000, and up to 20 years for $100,000 or more. Convicted individuals must also return the firearm or pay its value to the owner. The bill directly affects anyone who steals a firearm or knowingly possesses stolen firearms, raising penalties for these offenses under Section 7-104 of Maryland’s Criminal Law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 802: Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance - Intercepted Communications - Admissibility of Evidence

HB 802 modifies Maryland law to allow certain intercepted communications and evidence derived from them to be used in court under specific conditions. It creates two main exceptions: (1) evidence may be admitted if the communication occurred outside Maryland with no local law enforcement involvement, or (2) if a court determines the evidence is highly relevant, not obtainable otherwise, and serves justice. The bill also requires the party offering the evidence to provide advance notice to the opposing side, including the name and address of the intercepted party. This directly affects criminal and civil trials in Maryland courts where wiretapping evidence was previously inadmissible. The changes aim to balance evidentiary needs with privacy protections under existing law.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 741: Firearms Dealers and Employees - Required Training and Exam

HB 741 requires all Maryland firearms dealers and their employees to complete annual training and pass a written exam on firearm laws, safety, theft prevention, and recognizing illegal activities like straw purchases. Starting January 1, 2027, new applicants must complete the training before applying, current dealers must renew annually, and new hires must complete it within 20 days of starting work. The Secretary of State Police must approve a training course by October 1, 2026, and administer the exam, with a passing score of 70%. Dealers must maintain records of all passed exams, and violations carry a $1,000 civil penalty.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 547: Recipients of State and Local Government Funding - Reporting (Buy Maryland Reporting Requirements)

SB 547 requires state and local government units, as well as businesses receiving state funding for goods or services, to report annual details about how funds are used. Specifically, it mandates that recipients disclose contractor/subcontractor information - including addresses, employee counts, work locations, and minority business certification status - on annual reports to the Comptroller and on business tax returns. The Comptroller must then compile this data into an annual report for the legislature, including metrics like the percentage of in-state vs. out-of-state contractors and minority business participation. This bill directly affects government entities, funded businesses, and their contractors, aiming to increase transparency in public spending. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 791: Baltimore County - Residential Real Property - Moratorium on Assessment Increases and Review of Assessment Practices and Methodology

HB 791 imposes a two-year moratorium (2026-2028) on increases to the assessed value of residential properties in Baltimore County, directly affecting homeowners whose property taxes are based on these assessments. The bill allows increases only under specific exceptions, such as major renovations adding $100,000+ in value, zoning changes, or corrections of calculation errors. It also requires Maryland’s State Department of Assessments and Taxation to hire an independent third party by December 1, 2027, to review and recommend improvements to residential property assessment practices. The department must then report its findings and planned actions to the Governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 826: Property Tax - Residential Real Property - Moratorium on Assessment Increases

HB 826 freezes increases to the assessed value of residential property in Maryland for taxable years 2026 through 2028. It directly affects homeowners by preventing local governments from raising property tax assessments based on market value during this period, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include zoning changes initiated by the owner, significant improvements adding at least $100,000 in value, changes in property use, or errors in calculation. The bill does not alter tax rates or affect commercial properties, only limiting assessment increases for residential homes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 820: Handgun Permits - Special Endorsement for Security Clearance Holders

HB 820 would require Maryland's Secretary of State Police to add a special endorsement to handgun permits for current or retired U.S. government employees who hold or held Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. This endorsement allows permit holders to carry a handgun in any location where law enforcement officials are permitted to carry while performing their duties. The bill specifies that eligibility requires either current employment with such clearance or 10 consecutive years of clearance prior to retirement. It directs the Secretary to adopt implementing regulations and takes effect October 1, 2026.

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 600: Sales and Use Tax - Definition of Retail Sale - Alterations

SB 600 modifies Maryland's sales tax definition to exclude certain business-to-business technology service sales from taxation. It specifically exempts sales of data/information technology services (NAICS 518, 519) and software publishing services (NAICS 5132) when: (1) buyers intend to incorporate them into other taxable services for resale, or (2) vendors and buyers are affiliated entities. This affects businesses selling or purchasing these technology services, removing sales tax liability for qualifying transactions. The bill clarifies existing tax rules rather than creating new taxes, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

Bill results