Uniformed Services Spouses Act - Hiring Preferences and Educational Benefits for Military Spouses

Maryland Senate Bill 243 passed the Maryland General Assembly on February 26, 2026 with a 44-0 Senate vote. The bill extends hiring preferences at the Public Service Commission and educational benefits including priority registration and scholarship eligibility to spouses of active-duty service members and veterans. The bill was favorably reported by both the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee and the House Appropriations Committee after receiving amendments.

SB467 - Maryland Child Care Credential Program - Extension of Funding

Maryland Senate Bill 467 passed, requiring the Governor to appropriate funds to the Maryland Child Care Credential Program beginning in fiscal year 2028. The annual appropriation must be at least equal to the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2024. The bill passed the Senate with amendments on April 7, 2026, after being introduced in the 2026 Regular Session.

SB486 expands Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship to UMES health programs

Maryland Senate Bill 486 expands the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to include students attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) enrolled in Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, or Veterinary Medicine degree programs. The bill passed the Senate 41-0 on March 20, 2026, and received favorable reports from the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee and the Appropriations Committee.

Children's Cabinet Fund Renaming and Local Management Board Grants

Maryland Senate Bill 668 passed both chambers, renaming the Children's Cabinet Fund to the Children's Cabinet Interagency Fund and requiring the Governor to include appropriations in the annual budget bill for fiscal years 2028 through 2031 for grants to local management boards. The bill passed the Senate 44-0 on March 19, 2026, and the House with amendments on April 7, 2026.

Public Safety - Licensed Firearms Dealers - Notification Regarding Compromising Events

Maryland enacted SB160 requiring licensed firearms dealers to notify the Secretary of State Police within 24 hours of discovering certain crimes or compromised security features. The law establishes civil penalties of up to $250 for first violations and $1,000 for subsequent violations, with potential license suspension or revocation for knowing and willful violations. The bill passed the Senate 34-11 and the House 96-33.

SB313 - Courts - Administrative Judges - Annual Stipend

Maryland Senate Bill 313 passed both chambers of the state legislature, authorizing annual stipends for the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland and administrative judges serving circuit courts or the District Court. The bill passed the Senate 46-0 on March 18, 2026, and received favorable amendments in the House Appropriations Committee before final passage.

Correctional Officers' Retirement System - Allegany County

Maryland SB748 requires membership in the Correctional Officers' Retirement System for local detention center officers of Allegany County if the county becomes a participating governmental unit. Officers joining this system with service credit will no longer be members of the Employees' Pension System. The bill passed the Senate 46-0 and received favorable committee reports before final passage.

Sales and Use Tax - Certificates Indicating Multiple Points of Use - Alterations

Maryland Senate Bill 644 passed the Senate, modifying sales and use tax certificate requirements for digital products. The bill provides that a certificate indicating multiple points of use of digital codes, digital products, and taxable services shall be deemed fully completed under certain circumstances, and buyers are no longer required to obtain prior approval from the Comptroller to present such certificates to vendors. The Act applies retroactively. Affected parties include vendors and buyers of digital codes, digital products, and taxable services in Maryland.

Maryland SB312 establishes constitutional officer salaries

Maryland Senate Bill 312 passed the legislature on March 18, 2026, establishing annual salaries for four constitutional statewide officers: the Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. The bill cleared both chambers with a 39-7 Senate vote after review by the Budget and Taxation and Appropriations committees. Implementation will require budget adjustments and payroll updates for the affected statewide offices.

Alpha Day Resolution honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

The South Carolina Senate adopted Resolution S1105 on April 7, 2026, honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 119 years of community contributions. The resolution declares April 14, 2026 as 'Alpha Day at the State Capitol' and encourages all citizens to recognize the fraternity's commitment to strengthening communities.