The Phone Free Schools Act requires each county to develop a plan to ban phones in schools bell-to-bell. Local school districts would decide the implementation details, but plans must be in place by the 2027-2028 school year.
The Utility Relief Act provides $150 in yearly savings on electric bills. The savings to consumers will average $12.50 per month, with lower-income households seeing additional savings. The new law also expedites the permit process for data centers which use batteries and solar to help power the facilities. The bill also establishes a $5 million no-interest loan program for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades at nonprofit organizations. It also includes a grant program for low- to moderate-income households to install solar panels, among other changes.
Over-the Counter Contraception for Community College Students: Maryland will require public community colleges to provide students with access to over-the-counter contraception.
Menstrual Hygiene Products: This law requires colleges and universities with on-campus housing to provide menstrual hygiene products, like pads or tampons, free of charge in all student health centers. Higher education institutions have until August 2028 to implement the new changes.
The Vax Act: In response to recent federal action to overhaul the vaccine schedule for children, the secretary of the Maryland Department of Health will now have the authority to issue recommendations for immunizations, screening, and preventive services based on clinical guidance from independent medical organizations. This bill decouples the state's vaccine authority from the federal government's, ensuring Maryland's vaccine policy is driven by science, not internet conspiracy theories.
Collective Bargaining for University of Maryland Faculty: Nontenured faculty at Maryland’s institutions of higher education will be able to collectively bargain allowing teachers, researchers, department heads and similar positions to establish recognized collective bargaining units and negotiate union contracts.
Excused Absence for Students to Testify: Testifying at a public meeting, legislative hearing or other similar civic engagement will be considered an excused absence for students under
Data Privacy Act is designed to prevent state and local agencies from sharing certain personal information for federal immigration enforcement purposes. This includes sensitive data, such as Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) records, school enrollment data and public benefit applications. It prohibits knowingly sending personal consumer data to a federal, state or local government unit that has engaged in or supported civil immigration enforcement within the past six months preceding the sale.
Federal Obligations Enforcement Act allows Maryland to place a lien on federal properties in the state and withhold payments to the federal government until delinquent state funds are paid. It would also authorize the Maryland Central Collection Unit — the state’s debt management agency — to collect any delinquent federal funds. The bill was inspired by the recent denial of tens of millions of dollars in federal emergency funds to Maryland following severe flooding in Allegany and Garrett counties in the spring of 2025. It would apply when a court finds that the federal government is illegally withholding congressionally approved spending.
This newsletter was compiled from various news sources.
