ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed 160 bills into law on May 20, 2025, during the fifth and final bill signing ceremony of the year, including the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Bill and the Procurement Reform Act of 2025. The legislation addresses a $3 billion budget deficit, modernizes state procurement processes, and establishes new programs to enhance economic mobility and energy affordability. The ceremony marked the culmination of a legislative session focused on fiscal stability and economic growth.
The Budget Bill transforms the state’s $3 billion deficit into a surplus while maintaining 8% in the Rainy Day Fund, exceeding recommended levels. It includes over $2 billion in spending cuts, the largest in Maryland in 16 years, and reforms the income tax code, ensuring 94% of Marylanders either receive a tax cut or see no tax increase. The budget prioritizes economic growth by directing resources to industries such as life sciences, information technology, and aerospace and defense, which Moore described as “lighthouse industries” for creating high-paying jobs.
The Procurement Reform Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency and efficiency in state contracting. It expands the Small Business Reserve Program to provide greater access for small businesses, streamlines procurement processes for contractors and government, and rewards contractors who adhere to strong labor standards. “This legislative session, Maryland was called upon to be nimble in the face of uncertainty and courageous in the face of chaos,” said Gov. Moore. “This wasn’t JIjust about balancing a budget. It was about weathering two storms: A fiscal crisis and a new White House that attacks our economy. In partnership, Maryland did what we always do when the chips are down: we stood shoulder-to-shoulder and delivered for our people.”
Other significant legislation signed includes the establishment of the Department of Social and Economic Mobility, which consolidates programs like the Office of Social Equity and the Office of Minority Business Enterprise into a single entity. This department will serve as a centralized access point for Marylanders seeking economic mobility programs. The Next Generation Energy Act modernizes energy infrastructure, promotes in-state energy production, and provides $200 million in electricity bill credits to Maryland families. It also supports nuclear energy development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Additional bills address public safety and health. The Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act strengthens workplace safety standards for public-sector employees, focusing on preventing workplace violence. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s expanded authority allows it to set payment limits for costly prescription drugs, addressing affordability challenges while considering supply shortages and rare disease treatments. Public libraries will now be required to have automated external defibrillators available for medical emergencies, and active-duty service members will benefit from expedited hearings to reclaim housing from tenants who overstay leases.
The full list of bills signed is available on the governor’s website [https://governor.maryland.gov/news/Pages/bill-signings.aspx]. The legislative session faced significant challenges, including a projected budget shortfall and federal policy uncertainties. Moore emphasized collaboration with the General Assembly, noting that the signed bills reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and equitable economic growth. The budget cuts, while substantial, were designed to protect essential services and invest in long-term economic development.
Maryland’s legislative priorities this year also responded to rising utility costs and workplace safety concerns. The energy act’s bill credits aim to alleviate financial burdens on families, while the safety act addresses growing concerns about workplace violence in public-sector jobs. The procurement reforms are expected to enhance competition and accountability, ensuring state contracts align with Maryland’s values of fairness and efficiency.
The establishment of the Department of Social and Economic Mobility consolidates resources to better serve Marylanders seeking economic opportunities. By streamlining access to programs, the department aims to reduce barriers for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s new powers are part of broader efforts to control healthcare costs, particularly for drugs that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Moore’s administration highlighted the session’s focus on delivering results despite economic and political challenges. The signed legislation reflects a strategic approach to balancing fiscal constraints with investments in Maryland’s future, from energy modernization to workforce safety. As the state moves into 2026, these laws will shape Maryland’s economic and social landscape, prioritizing affordability, equity, and resilience.
