New Maryland Laws Take Effect July 1: Education, Taxes & More
New Maryland Laws Taking Effect July 1: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, dozens of new laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly earlier this year will officially take effect, impacting everything from education and housing to health oversight and taxes.
To address the ongoing teacher shortage, lawmakers approved a new certification pathway allowing aspiring teachers to qualify through a portfolio-based assessment or local induction programs. Applicants must also meet basic literacy standards or hold a relevant degree or have undergone prior evaluations.
Support for pregnant and parenting college students will expand under the new Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act, which requires most public four-year universities to create plans offering access to healthcare referrals, adoption resources, and government assistance.
School board members will also face new requirements. The County Board Member Antibias Training Act mandates anti-bias training at least once per term for every board of education member.
Following an investigation by our media partners at The Baltimore Banner on questionable practices at drug addiction treatment centers, the Maryland Department of Health is now required to improve oversight and submit two reports to lawmakers—one by December 2025 and another by December 2026—detailing procedures for monitoring and certifying recovery residences.
The Maryland Housing Data Transparency Act will require counties to submit building permit data quarterly. The state will create a searchable public database by July 2027 with details like approval dates, construction costs, and unit counts.
Also starting July 1, all new or renovated buildings must include at least one water bottle filling station. The 2024 International Plumbing Code also mandates one drinking fountain per 100 occupants in schools and workplaces.
As part of a recent budget deal, a new tax on precious metal bullion and coins sold for over $1,000 goes into effect, projected to raise $3.6 million in general fund revenue.
New Maryland Laws Taking Effect July 1: What You Need to Know was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com
