Maryland Legislative Events

SB230 passed Maryland, links burglary to sexual offense

SB230 passed Maryland, links burglary to sexual offense

Maryland Legal Services Corporation Board Expansion

The Maryland Senate passed SB252 on February 19, 2026, increasing the Board of Directors of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation from 9 to 12 members. The bill passed 35-8 in the Senate and 95-34 in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Sen. Chris West (R), the legislation is an administrative governance change to the statewide legal aid organization.

Machine Gun Convertible Pistol Ban

Maryland passed SB334, prohibiting the manufacturing, selling, purchasing, receiving, or transferring of machine gun convertible pistols effective January 1, 2027. The Maryland Department of State Police must adopt regulations and publish a list of prohibited machine gun convertible pistols. Violations constitute criminal firearm offenses under Maryland law.

PACE Act - Protecting Criminal Defendants' Creative Expression Evidence

The Maryland Senate passed SB475, the PACE Act (Protecting Artists' Creative Expression), establishing that creative expression by criminal defendants or juvenile respondents is not admissible as evidence against them unless the court makes specific findings. The bill passed 33-10 in the Senate and received favorable committee reports from both Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary. Exceptions apply for mental health evaluations and diversion program referrals in juvenile cases.

Offensive Contact Misdemeanor and Related Criminal Procedure Changes

Maryland passed SB514 establishing a misdemeanor for intentionally causing offensive contact, engaging in conduct placing another in fear of offensive contact, or attempting such contact. The bill also limits District Court commissioner authority to issue arrest warrants under certain circumstances and modifies the list of convictions eligible for expungement. The bill passed the Senate 45-0 on March 19, 2026.

Motor Vehicle Administration ADAS Repair Licensing Requirements

The Maryland General Assembly passed SB789 establishing new licensing requirements for persons performing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) recalibrations. The bill requires automotive repair facilities to meet specific standards and prohibits insurers from taking certain actions regarding ADAS repairs and recalibrations. Insurance estimates must include specified information related to ADAS work.

Maryland Parole Commission transparency bill

Maryland Senate Bill 822 passed the Senate (31-11) and House, requiring the Maryland Parole Commission to provide enhanced transparency measures for incarcerated individuals. The bill mandates that the Commission's annual reports contain specific information and requires the Commission to document and provide certain records to incarcerated individuals and the public within defined timeframes.

Annual Corrective Bill - Maryland Annotated Code Corrections

The Maryland General Assembly passed SB844, an Annual Corrective Bill, correcting technical errors, obsolete references, and clarifying language in the Annotated Code of Maryland and Public Local Laws. The bill passed unanimously (43-0) in the Senate on March 23, 2026. The legislation explicitly states it is not intended to affect any law other than to correct technical errors.

Utility RELIEF Act - Energy Investment Fund and Renewable Energy Auctions

Maryland Senate Bill 841 (Utility RELIEF Act) passed second reading on April 2, 2026, with multiple amendments. The bill modifies the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and alternative compliance fee structure, and requires the Maryland Energy Administration to conduct annual competitive low-bid auctions for renewable energy generation projects in consultation with the Public Service Commission.