MARYLAND - As Maryland rings in the New Year, several significant legislative changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. From expanding healthcare protections for first responders to increasing transparency for gig workers, these laws reflect a state-wide focus on public health, consumer rights, and social safety.
MARYLAND - As Maryland rings in the New Year, several significant legislative changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. From expanding healthcare protections for first responders to increasing transparency for gig workers, these laws reflect a state-wide focus on public health, consumer rights, and social safety.Here are five of the most impactful new laws taking effect in the Old Line State this January.
1. The James "Jimmy" Malone Act: No-Cost Cancer Screenings (HB 459)
Named in honor of a late state delegate and career firefighter, this law addresses the high-risk chemical exposures first responders face daily.
- The Change: Starting January 1st, Maryland counties that operate self-insured health plans must provide preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters at zero out-of-pocket cost.
- Scope of Coverage: This includes specialized blood tests, low-dose CT scans, and other advanced detection technologies, with no copays or deductibles.
2. Tax Sale Protections for Homeowners (HB 59)
In an effort to prevent "predatory" tax sales that often strip families of generational wealth, House Bill 59 introduces new safeguards for Maryland residents.
- The Protection: The law requires counties to withhold owner-occupied homes and properties lived in by heirs from tax sales if the debt is below a specific threshold.
- The Registry: It also mandates a new registry that allows families to formally flag their properties for protection, providing more time and clearer information to resolve tax issues before a home can be sold.
3. Domestic Violence Awareness Training for Salons (HB 1547)
Maryland is tapping into the unique "chair-side" bond between stylists and their clients to help combat domestic abuse.
- Beginning January 1st, all applicants for new or renewed barbering and cosmetology licenses must complete at least 1 hour of domestic violence awareness training.
- The Goal: Professionals will learn to recognize signs of abuse and safely connect clients to local support resources.
4. Rideshare Driver Earnings Transparency (HB 861)
For thousands of Marylanders driving for platforms like Uber and Lyft, the "black box" of earnings is about to open up. House Bill 861 mandates that transportation network companies provide drivers with detailed weekly summaries.
- New Disclosures: These reports must show the total fares collected from passengers, the specific percentage that went to the driver, and an itemized list of any fees the company deducted.
- Accountability: This data must also be reported annually to the state to ensure fair pay practices in the gig economy.
5. Major Healthcare Mandates: Heart Health and Kids
A pair of new healthcare laws aims to remove financial and administrative barriers to life-saving treatment.
- Coronary Calcium Scoring (HB 666): Insurers are now required to cover coronary calcium score testing, a non-invasive scan that detects early signs of heart disease before a cardiac event occurs.
- Emergency Pediatric Transfers (HB 1301): Insurance companies are now prohibited from requiring "prior authorization" for transfers of children to specialized pediatric hospitals, eliminating dangerous delays during medical emergencies.
Regional Highlight: Montgomery County Plastic Bag Ban
While not a statewide law, residents in Maryland's most populous county should take note: Montgomery County's "Bring Your Own Bag" law also goes into effect on January 1st. Retailers will be prohibited from providing plastic carryout bags, and the fee for paper bags will increase to 10 cents.
