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 let nonprofit hospitals skip a tax on certain insurance payments, which could save them money.

If this bill passes, nonprofit hospitals might save money on taxes. But regular people could end up paying more in other ways. It's important to think about how this affects everyone.

Big Business

• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Shifts costs away from hospitals.. Nonprofit hospitals would not pay the premium receipts tax.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on consumer rights.. The bill does not affect individual rights.

Pushing for it: Nonprofit hospitals and health care systems
Bearing the cost: Tax revenue for the state

• Official text (MD HB1228)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1228?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1228https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1228/2026

Counties must give a property tax credit to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses on their homes.

Veterans could save money on their house taxes, but other residents may see higher taxes to cover the credit.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — neutral. requires counties to act but adds no new oversight
• Rights & Protections (helps) — expands. adds tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost shift. credit reduces county revenue, others may pay more
• Process Transparency (neutral) — neutral. bill is still early in the process
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — tax credit costs. shifts revenue away from general fund

• Official text (MD HB1482)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1482?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1482https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1482/2026

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

Landlords would have to tell you upfront what they'll check before you pay to apply. You could challenge wrong info on tenant screening reports. But landlords get legal protection if the screening company's report has bad data, they can't be sued for it.

This bill cuts both ways. The upside: you'd get a heads-up about screening fees and what they're checking, and you'd have a chance to fix errors on your tenant report before a landlord sees them. That's real. But the immunity clause matters. If a screening company puts wrong info in your file, say, an eviction that wasn't yours, or a missed payment you actually made, the landlord is shielded from lawsuits. You'd have to go after the screening company instead, which is harder and costs money most renters don't have. Landlords aren't taking the risk for bad data; you are. With rents this high and competition this fierce, a false flag on your screening report can tank your shot at housing. The bill does some good on transparency but punts accountability away from landlords and onto the companies, and ultimately onto tenants who get trapped by errors they didn't make.

Landlords

• Tenant Disclosure & Right to Challenge (helps) — Transparency benefit; tenants can dispute errors before landlord sees them. Prospective tenants are allowed to dispute and provide evidence regarding information in screening reports; landlords must provide written disclosures before accepting applications.
• Landlord Immunity from Liability (hurts) — Core protection shields landlords from lawsuits over bad screening data. Landlord is not liable for certain information included in tenant screening report under certain circumstances; tenants must pursue screening companies directly for false data.
• Access to Remedy (hurts) — Tenants still have right to challenge but must navigate company, no landlord lawsuit path. While tenants may dispute errors, the immunity clause means landlords face no legal consequence; burden and cost of pursuing correction falls on tenant against screening company.
• Process Clarity (helps) — Upfront disclosure reduces surprise fees and hidden criteria. Landlord must provide certain written disclosures before accepting application or screening fee.

Pushing for it: Tenants (disclosure and dispute rights)
Bearing the cost: Tenants (landlord immunity shields companies from accountability)

• Official text (MD HB313)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0313?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB313https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB313/2026

Changes how unemployment benefits are calculated

If you lose your job in Maryland, this bill would change how much money you can get from unemployment benefits, so now is the time to weigh in on what you think is fair

Workers

• Accountability (neutral) — No change. No direct impact on accountability
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Neutral impact. Changes to benefits calculation may affect some individuals, but overall impact is neutral
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shift. Employers may pay more in contributions, which could be passed on to employees or consumers
• Process Transparency (helps) — Improved transparency. Requires the state to make the annual average wage available online
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No change. No direct impact on funding

Pushing for it: Workers who lose their jobs
Bearing the cost: Employers, potentially consumers

• Official text (MD HB188)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0188?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB188https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB188/2026

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 make sure health insurance covers surgery to prevent ovarian cancer without extra costs for patients.

This is a big win for women. They would not have to pay extra for an important surgery that can help prevent cancer. Now is the time to support this bill.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Requires coverage for specific health procedures. Insurers must cover salpingectomy without extra costs
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects patients from high costs. No copayments or deductibles for the surgery
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Insurance companies cover the costs. Insurers must pay for the procedure

• Official text (MD SB551)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0551?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — SB551https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB551/2026

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 make a state website to help people find job training so they can keep their health care and food money.

This bill would create a database and help people sign up for programs. This could make it easier for people to find jobs and keep important benefits like health care and food assistance. It aims to help people become more independent. People who need help finding training or jobs to keep their benefits should support this bill while it is still moving through the legislature.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — State agency has new duty to help citizens.. The Maryland Department of Health would be required to set up and manage this database and assist individuals.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps protect access to essential benefits.. The bill aims to help individuals maintain eligibility for health care and food assistance programs.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Costs are for public service, not shifted to individuals.. The cost of creating and maintaining the database would be borne by the state, not directly by individuals seeking help.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on government transparency.. The bill does not change how government decisions are made or shared with the public.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Funds a public service for citizens.. This bill would use state resources to create a service that helps people find training and keep benefits.

Pushing for it: Individuals needing job training and benefit eligibility
Bearing the cost: Maryland taxpayers (for database creation and operation)

• Official text (MD HB1246)https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1246?ys=2026RS
• LegiScan — HB1246https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1246/2026

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 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