Here's What Laws Are Taking Effect In Maryland On July 1

By FOX45
Posted on 07/01/25 | News Source: FOX45

Annapolis, MD - July 1, 2025 - There are a number of laws taking effect in Maryland, as the calendar turns to July.

According to the Maryland State Bar Association, the following laws take effect on July 1, 2025, in areas ranging from cannabis regulation and consumer protection to environmental law, public safety, and employment.

Cannabis Regulation

• HB12/SB214: This law prohibits the sale or distribution of cannabis products marketed as containing more than 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving or over 2.5 milligrams of THC per package, and it outlines penalties for such offenses.
• HB619: This bill exempts the Maryland sales and use tax on transactions involving cannabis between a licensed cannabis business and a registered cannabis nursery.
• SB215: This act implements various changes to laws and regulations pertaining to cannabis businesses, including granting local governments the authority to establish operating hours for on-site cannabis consumption at retail establishments.

Consumer Protection

• HB979: This law requires self-service storage facility operators to issue a 10-day notice to occupants before conducting a lien sale of personal property. This notice must detail the time, place, and terms of the sale, and be sent via hand delivery, verified mail, or electronic mail to the occupant’s last known address.

Elections

• HB199/SB257: This legislation extends the timeframe the State Board of Elections has to send written communications to voters on the permanent absentee ballot list, increasing it from 90 to 120 days before an election, for confirming addresses and preferred ballot reception methods.

Employment & Labor

• HB502: This bill establishes the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Among its functions, the office is tasked with implementing the "Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative".
• HB1126: This bill establishes the Child Support Arrearage to Work Pilot Program, aimed at connecting unemployed individuals who are in arrears on child support obligations with employment opportunities within the state, including in state agencies.
• HB1503: This legislation delays the effective date for the start of paid family and medical leave until 2028.

Energy & Environment

• HB84/SB395 (Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2025): This act mandates that the Maryland Department of Transportation conduct impact assessments and/or evaluations of greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled linked to major highway expansion and capital projects. It also requires the implementation of multimodal transportation programs to offset these emissions.
• HB506 (Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act): This act introduces various changes related to regenerative practices and traditions, healthy soils, finfish harvested and processed by ike jime, water quality monitoring, fishery management plans, aquaculture leases, water quality trading, and requirements for stream and floodplain restoration projects.
• HB1036/SB931 (Renewable Energy Certainty Act): This act sets state requirements for solar energy developments and restricts local governments from taking specific actions that would impede such developments.
• HB1111: This bill makes solar energy generating systems located on or over a water retention pond or quarry previously or currently designated for industrial use eligible for the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program.
• HB250: This law increases fees and penalties to financially support programs within the Maryland Department of the Environment, including adjustments to the maximum emissions-based fee and the dam safety registration and permit fee.
• SB253: This law exempts the incineration of chemical warfare materials at research facilities from specific state regulations, provided these incinerations are conducted for research, development, or demonstration purposes.

Public Safety

• SB360: This bill incorporates AI-generated images into the state’s criminal and civil laws addressing "revenge porn".