Maryland Bill Book

The bill would let state agencies share your health data and could make you lose Medicaid if you miss work requirements or new eligibility checks.

The bill could tighten Medicaid eligibility, add work tests, and let the state look at your records, meaning many low‑income families might face benefit cuts unless they meet new rules.

Government Power

• Rights & Protections (hurts) — adds work requirements and data sharing. limits ability to keep Medicaid and expands state data access
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — shifts eligibility risk to recipients. benefit cuts fall on low‑income families
• Accountability (neutral) — requires agency agreements. creates oversight but not clear benefit
• Process Transparency (hurts) — data sharing may reduce privacy. citizens less aware of how info is used
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding mentioned. budget impact unknown

• Official text (MD HB1331)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1331?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1331https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1331/2026

This bill would change who can get tax credits for rent and homeownership, which could help some people but leave others out.

This bill is important because it could change how many people get help with their taxes. If you are a renter or homeowner, you should pay attention and share your thoughts.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Changes eligibility but does not increase transparency.. The bill alters who qualifies for tax credits without clear communication.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Excludes higher-income homeowners from benefits.. This could limit support for those who need it, depending on income.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — May reduce tax burdens for some.. Lower-income renters could benefit from increased credits.

• Official text (MD HB1427)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1427?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1427https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1427/2026

Maryland businesses could claim a larger tax credit when they buy cybersecurity tools from Maryland companies, lowering their taxes but costing the state.

The bill would help local firms grow and may make it cheaper for companies to protect data, but it also cuts tax money that could fund services for everyday people.

Cybersecurity industry

• Accountability (neutral) — no change. does not alter oversight
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no change. does not affect individual rights
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — tax credit reduces revenue. state loses revenue that could fund services
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no change. no new reporting required
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — benefits local cybersecurity firms. incentivizes purchases from Maryland vendors

• Official text (MD SB25)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0025?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — SB25https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB25/2026

This bill would stop people in prison for first degree murder from earning good behavior credits to get out early.

This bill wants to make sure the worst offenders serve every single day of their sentence. Supporters say it brings justice to families who lost loved ones. But critics worry that taking away the reward for good behavior makes prisons more dangerous for guards. It also means taxpayers will pay to keep people locked up longer. Lawmakers are debating this right now.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Strict punishment for a serious crime.. The bill ensures that people convicted of the most serious level of murder serve their full given sentence.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Removes a path to early release.. Inmates lose the ability to earn time off their sentence through good behavior or prison programs.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Taxpayers pay for longer prison stays.. Keeping people in prison for their full sentence without early release costs the state more money.

• Official text (MD HB463)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0463?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB463https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB463/2026

New companies that hire at least ten full‑time workers could get a cut on their county property taxes, which might lower local services funded by those taxes.

The bill promises more jobs for the county, which could help families find work. But it also reduces the money the county collects from property taxes, which could mean fewer resources for schools or roads. Because the bill is just starting, voters can push for safeguards or support it to boost employment.

Businesses

• Accountability (neutral) — neutral. Bill does not change oversight of businesses.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — neutral. No impact on individual rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost shift. Tax credit reduces county revenue, shifting cost to residents.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — neutral. Bill follows standard legislative process.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — neutral. No new funding is provided; credit simply lowers tax bills.

• Official text (MD HB369)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0369?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB369https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB369/2026

The bill would let Maryland businesses and nonprofits get a refundable tax credit when they buy cybersecurity tools from Maryland firms, up to $1 million total.

If passed, the state will spend money to encourage local cybersecurity firms, which could boost jobs and make companies safer, but taxpayers will foot the bill.

Cybersecurity

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight added. The bill does not change accountability mechanisms.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No impact on rights. Does not affect individual legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Taxpayers fund the credit. Refundable credit means state pays out money.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. No special transparency provisions.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Favors cybersecurity industry. Directs state funds to a specific sector.

• Official text (MD HB290)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0290?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB290https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB290/2026

The bill would force health insurers to send clear notices and treat certain messages as claim denials, making payment timelines more transparent for patients.

If this passes, you will get quicker, clearer info when your health plan denies payment, but the plan may be forced to deny claims in cases, so watch for abuse.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Improves oversight of insurers. Insurers must follow clear communication rules and are accountable for denials.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Gives consumers clearer notice. Patients receive timely, understandable information about claim status.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs fall on insurers. Insurers must adjust processes, no direct cost to consumers.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Adds transparency to claim handling. Specific communication requirements make claim processes more open.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding mentioned. Bill does not create or shift funding.

• Official text (MD HB739)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0739?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB739https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB739/2026

This bill would give money back to bosses who let parents take time off to be with their kids, helping families.

This bill would have helped parents by making it easier for their bosses to give them time off for their kids. While it sounds good for families, the bill was withdrawn by its sponsor, so it will not move forward this year. This means parents will not get this specific help right now.

Employers

• Accountability (neutral) — No direct impact on accountability.. The bill does not directly change how employers are held accountable for their actions, but rather incentivizes a specific behavior.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Would support parental leave.. The bill would encourage employers to offer parental leave, which supports parents' ability to engage with their children and could be seen as a protection for family time.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — State would cover costs for employers.. The state would pay for the tax credit, reducing its income tax revenue. This would help employers offer leave without bearing the full cost, indirectly benefiting employees by making leave more accessible.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on transparency.. The bill does not address how transparent government processes are or how information is shared with the public.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Tilts funding to support parental leave.. The tax credit would encourage employers to spend on parental leave, shifting some of the cost from employers to the state budget, which benefits employees and families.

Pushing for it: Employers (Up to $800)
Bearing the cost: State of Maryland

• Official text (MD HB370)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0370?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB370https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB370/2026

Insurers would have to pay enough for primary care to meet state targets and tell the commissioner how they are doing.

The bill could boost access to doctors by making sure money goes to primary care, but insurers may raise premiums to cover the cost, so everyday people should watch the debate.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases reporting requirements. Insurers must describe progress toward targets.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on individual rights. Does not change suing or consumer rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shifts to insurers. Insurers may pass costs to premiums.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Requires public reporting. Progress reports filed with the commissioner.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding allocated. Bill does not create a funding source.

• Official text (MD HB494)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0494?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB494https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB494/2026

Electric companies would have to give the commission yearly data on who was affected by outages and price hikes.

Citizens could see which neighborhoods lose power or pay more, helping them hold utilities accountable and push for better service before future outages happen.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — companies must disclose impact data. annual reporting creates a record for oversight
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no direct change to consumer rights. bill does not alter ability to sue or sue limits
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — no new fees or cost shifts. reporting cost is borne by utilities, not consumers
• Process Transparency (helps) — more public data on outages and rates. helps public understand utility impacts
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no funding provisions. bill does not allocate or require money

• Official text (MD HB642)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0642?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB642https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB642/2026

This bill would make landlords tell you all fees before you sign a lease, so you don't get surprised by hidden costs.

This bill is important because it would stop landlords from adding surprise fees to your rent later. Right now, some landlords might not tell you about all the extra money you have to pay until it's too late. If this bill passes, you would know exactly what you owe before you agree to rent a place. This helps you plan your money better and protects you from unexpected charges. It is still moving through the legislature, so people can still share their thoughts on it.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Landlords must disclose all fees. Landlords would be held responsible for telling renters about all fees upfront.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Tenants gain right to full fee disclosure. Renters would have a new right to know all fees before signing a lease and can sue if not disclosed.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Tenants avoid hidden costs. This bill would shift the burden of hidden fees away from tenants by requiring upfront disclosure.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Rental fee process becomes clearer. The process for understanding rental fees would become much more open and clear for tenants.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Protects tenant finances. While not direct funding, it protects tenants from unexpected financial burdens from undisclosed fees.

Pushing for it: Tenants (by avoiding hidden fees)
Bearing the cost: Landlords (who would lose revenue from undisclosed fees)

• Official text (MD HB80)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0080?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB80https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB80/2026

This bill would help more disabled veterans, including those from NOAA and Public Health Service, pay less in property taxes in Washington County.

This bill is good news for disabled veterans in Washington County. It would make it easier for more of them to get a break on their property taxes, which could save them money each year. This is important because it recognizes the service of more people who have been hurt while serving our country, including those in NOAA and the Public Health Service. While the county might collect a little less in taxes, many would agree that helping these service members is a fair trade. People who support veterans will want this bill to pass.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. The bill does not directly address accountability for public officials or private entities.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Expands benefits. This bill would expand eligibility for a property tax credit, helping more disabled veterans keep their homes more affordably.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost shifted to county revenue, benefit to veterans. The cost is a reduction in property tax revenue for Washington County, benefiting eligible disabled veterans.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No transparency issues noted. The bill's process appears standard, with no indication of hidden clauses or rushed procedures.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Tilts towards disabled veterans. The bill would directly benefit disabled veterans by reducing their property tax burden.

Pushing for it: Disabled veterans, including NOAA and Public Health Service members
Bearing the cost: Washington County (reduced tax revenue)

• Official text (MD HB888)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0888?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB888https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB888/2026

This bill would let more disabled veterans, including those from NOAA and Public Health Service, get a break on their property taxes in Washington County.

This bill is a good thing because it would help more people who served our country get a tax break on their homes. If it passes, it would mean that disabled members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service would get the same property tax help as other disabled veterans. This helps lighten their load and shows appreciation for their service.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact on accountability.. The bill focuses on eligibility for a tax credit and does not directly impact accountability measures.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Expands eligibility for a tax credit.. The bill would allow more disabled veterans, specifically from NOAA and the Public Health Service, to receive a property tax credit, which is a financial benefit.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Washington County would collect less property tax.. By expanding the tax credit, Washington County would forgo some property tax revenue, shifting the cost of the benefit to the county budget.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill was introduced and had a hearing scheduled, which was later canceled, indicating a normal, albeit slow, legislative pace.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Provides a tax benefit to disabled veterans.. The bill provides a financial benefit to disabled veterans by reducing their property tax burden, tilting funding towards these individuals.

Pushing for it: Disabled veterans, including NOAA and Public Health Service members
Bearing the cost: Washington County

• Official text (MD SB500)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0500?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — SB500https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB500/2026

This bill would require health insurance to cover surgeries that help prevent ovarian cancer, which is important for women's health.

Women could gain important health coverage that helps prevent ovarian cancer. This is a chance to support better health options for everyone. Now is the time to speak up.

Everyday People

• Rights & Protections (helps) — Provides coverage for preventive surgery. This bill adds protections for women's health by ensuring coverage.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Study required for further coverage. The bill includes a study to assess additional coverage needs.

• Official text (MD HB633)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0633?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB633https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB633/2026

This bill would have made sure a person reviews health insurance decisions made by computers, so you could fight unfair denials.

This bill aimed to protect people from unfair health insurance decisions made by artificial intelligence. Computers can make mistakes, and having a person look over these decisions would have given people a better chance to appeal. While this bill would have helped ordinary people, it was withdrawn by its sponsor and is no longer active. This means the protections it offered will not happen unless a similar bill is introduced again.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases accountability. Would have required human review for AI decisions and reporting on grievances caused by AI.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects consumer rights. Would have given people a clearer path to challenge health insurance denials made by artificial intelligence.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No direct cost shift. The bill would have imposed administrative costs on health insurance carriers, not directly on consumers.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Improves transparency. Would have required health insurance companies to report data on AI-related grievances.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding impact. The bill does not mention any specific funding or appropriations.

Pushing for it: Health insurance policyholders
Bearing the cost: Health insurance carriers (administrative costs)

• Official text (MD HB795)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0795?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB795https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB795/2026

This bill would help people safely share information about sexual assault without fear of being sued.

This is a big step for survivors. It lets them speak out without worrying about legal trouble. Now is the time to support this bill and help those in need.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Encourages reporting of sexual assault. Provides legal protection for those disclosing allegations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Supports survivors' rights. Helps survivors speak out without fear of retaliation.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs remain unclear. No significant cost shifts identified.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Transparency maintained. The process for reporting remains clear.

• Official text (MD HB465)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0465?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB465https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB465/2026

Insurers could not charge higher copays for physical therapy than for a yearly physical exam.

Consumers would save money on needed therapy, while insurers would lose extra revenue, so the bill could help families afford rehab now.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — limits insurer fees. prevents higher copays for PT than for annual exam
• Rights & Protections (helps) — protects consumer cost rights. ensures PT cost not higher than wellness visit
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — shifts cost away from patients. insurers cannot charge extra
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no change. bill does not affect transparency
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no funding changes. no new money involved

• Official text (MD HB367)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0367?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB367https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB367/2026

The bill would stop insurers from blocking your choice of lab or charging extra fees for lab tests.

If passed, Maryland residents keep the freedom to choose any lab and won’t face surprise charges, making health care more affordable and fair.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Insurers must follow new rules. Prevents insurers from restricting lab choice
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects patient choice. Guarantees enrollee ability to select labs
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — No new costs for patients. Keeps extra fees from being passed to consumers
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No new disclosure requirements. Bill does not add reporting duties
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes. Does not allocate or shift money

• Official text (MD HB1126)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1126?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1126https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1126/2026

Doctors could ask insurers if a patient is covered and get a fast answer, and insurers could not later refuse payment if the doctor followed the new process.

Providers and patients will get clearer, faster info on whether a service is covered, and they will be protected from surprise claim denials. Insurers will have to follow the new rules, which may add some admin work.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — requires timely response from TPAs. Increases insurer accountability
• Rights & Protections (helps) — protects providers from retroactive denial. Strengthens provider and patient rights
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — shifts denial risk to insurers. Cost shift away from providers/patients
• Process Transparency (helps) — creates a clear eligibility request process. Improves transparency for providers
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding or spending required. Neutral on budget

• Official text (MD HB1464)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1464?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1464https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1464/2026

This bill would give money back to people living in co-ops and condos for their electric bills.

If this bill passes, residents in cooperative housing could get refunds on their electric bills, which would help save money. It is important to support this bill now to help families and individuals who need it.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Funds are required to be used for refunds.. The bill ensures that compliance fee revenue is used to benefit residents.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Supports financial relief for residents.. Residents will receive refunds, improving their financial situation.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are covered by the compliance fee revenue.. No additional costs will be shifted to residents.
• Process Transparency (helps) — The bill outlines clear uses for the funds.. It specifies how the funds will be allocated.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding is already allocated for this purpose.. The bill uses existing funds from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund.

Pushing for it: residential customers
Bearing the cost: Unknown

• Official text (MD SB434)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0434?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — SB434https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB434/2026