Department of Education Parental Notification for Sexually Explicit Instructional Material

Virginia's Governor signed SB19 into law (Chapter 322), requiring the Department of Education to revise model policies and school boards to adopt policies mandating parental notification for instructional materials containing sexually explicit content. The law defines 'instructional material' to include assigned materials regardless of format while excluding library books unless specifically assigned, and explicitly prohibits using these policies to censor or remove books from school libraries.

Virginia SB592 - Career and Technical Education Biennial Review Mandate

Virginia Governor signed SB592 into law (Chapter 347), requiring the Board of Education and Virginia Board of Workforce Development, with assistance from multiple state education agencies, to conduct biennial reviews beginning July 1, 2026, of all career and technical education offerings to ensure alignment with industry needs and preparation for postsecondary success.

Health Insurance - Provider Panels - Requirements

Maryland Senate Bill 808 passed the Senate on April 7, 2026, modifying requirements for health insurance provider panels. The bill alters the provider application process, establishes civil penalties for carriers failing to provide required notices, repeals authorization for application fees, and mandates regular updates to carrier provider directories. The bill now proceeds to the House of Delegates for consideration.

SB728 - Community College Promise Scholarship Eligibility Expansion for Delmar Residents

Maryland Senate Bill 728 passed both chambers, expanding the Community College Promise Scholarship eligibility to include Delmar, Maryland residents who graduated from Delmar High School in Delaware. The bill alters residency requirements to accommodate students in the Delmar area who attend Delaware schools. The Senate passed the bill 41-0 on March 20, 2026, and the House passed with amendments on April 7, 2026.

SB333 - Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact

Maryland Senate Bill 333 establishes the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, enabling licensed podiatrists to practice in participating states under their home state's scope of practice rules. The bill creates the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact Commission to oversee implementation and enforcement. The Act is contingent upon substantially similar legislation being enacted in at least four other states before becoming operative.

SB285 passes, expands Maryland Police Officer scholarships

SB285 passes, expands Maryland Police Officer scholarships

Physician Assistant Parity Act of 2026 - Healthcare Practitioner Parity

The Maryland General Assembly passed SB326, the Physician Assistant Parity Act of 2026, granting physician assistants expanded authority comparable to other healthcare practitioners. The bill extends to actions related to guardianship of disabled persons, admissions to mental health facilities, and the Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program. It also addresses coverage for certain emergency examinations by the Maryland Department of Health and modifies provisions for pregnant incarcerated individuals.

Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections

Maryland SB782, passed by the Senate, requires junk dealers, scrap metal processors, and antique dealers to register telecommunications equipment purchases with law enforcement and provide detailed descriptions. The bill prohibits these dealers from purchasing telecommunications equipment by any method other than check mailed to the seller's address, and bars resale or disposal of such equipment for 30 days following purchase. The legislation targets copper theft and infrastructure fraud in the telecommunications sector.

Purple Star Schools and Colleges Program - Military-Connected Student Support

Maryland Senate Bill 709 passed the Senate 40-0 on March 20, 2026, altering the definition of "military-connected student" under the Purple Star Schools Program to conform with state law terminology and establishing a new Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize colleges providing strong support services for military-connected students. The bill awaits House consideration and Governor signature.

SB867 - Economic Development - Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission - Alterations

Maryland Senate Bill 867 passed on February 6, 2026, substantially alters the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission by expanding its purpose to include space science, space technology, and aeronautics innovation. The legislation modifies commission membership, duties, and staff responsibilities, mandates appointment of an Executive Director, and authorizes the commission to provide grants to qualifying entities. A $30,000,000 annual budget allocation is required beginning in fiscal year 2028.