New Maryland Laws Tackle Abuse Suits, Energy Costs

Several new laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly are set to take effect on Sunday, June 1, 2025, addressing a wide range of issues from financial caps on abuse lawsuits to energy policy reforms and public safety measures.

Caps on Abuse Lawsuit Payouts

One of the most debated new laws is HB1378, which imposes significant caps on financial payouts for abuse lawsuits. The legislation limits awards from public institutions to $400,000 and from private institutions to $700,000, a substantial reduction from previous limits of $890,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. Additionally, the law caps attorney fees at 20% for cases settled out of court and 25% for those that go to trial. This change follows the 2023 Child Victims Act, which removed the statute of limitations for filing abuse lawsuits, prompted by a report detailing decades of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Lawmakers introduced the caps amid concerns over Maryland’s budget, which faced a $3 billion shortfall this year and anticipates larger deficits in the future. Advocates for abuse survivors have strongly opposed the measure, arguing that the reduced payouts make it economically unfeasible for many victims to pursue legal action, potentially limiting access to justice.

Energy Policy Reforms

Another key piece of legislation is the Next Generation Energy Act (HB1035/SB937). This law provides Maryland ratepayers with two rebates of approximately $40 each on their energy bills during the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. These rebates are timely, as Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers are set to face increased rates starting June 1. The Act also ends public subsidies for trash incineration, a move long supported by environmental groups who argue that such subsidies contradict Maryland’s renewable energy goals and contribute to pollution. By phasing out these subsidies, the state aims to promote more sustainable energy practices.

Enhanced Public Safety Measures

Public safety is addressed through HB388, which increases penalties for driving under the influence (DUI). The Motor Vehicle Administration will now assess 12 points on the driver’s license of anyone convicted of DUI, aiming to deter drunk driving through stricter licensing consequences. This law reflects Maryland’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

Healthcare Protections

In the realm of healthcare, HB1045 classifies gender-affirming healthcare as “legally protected health care.” This designation ensures that such services are not subject to disclosure laws, protecting the privacy and accessibility of gender-affirming care for Maryland residents. This law underscores the state’s commitment to supporting diverse healthcare needs.

New State Symbols

On a lighter note, SB764 designates the orange crush as Maryland’s official state cocktail and chromite as the state mineral, adding to the state’s collection of cultural symbols. These designations celebrate Maryland’s unique identity and heritage.

Additional Notable Laws

Among the numerous other laws taking effect on June 1 are:

• HB913: Allows Baltimore to increase the number of speed cameras along Interstate 83 from two to four, aiming to enhance traffic safety.
• HB1200/SB502: Expands the local option property tax credit to include disabled or fallen correctional and judicial officers, in addition to law enforcement and rescue workers.
• HB1222: Known as the Maryland Values Act, this law prevents residents’ personal data from being used for immigration enforcement and restricts immigration agents from entering sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals, without a warrant.
• HB102: Delays the start of the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) by 18 months to January 1, 2027, providing additional time for implementation and funding.
• HB11/SB902: Expands deadlines for health insurers regarding referrals for nonparticipating specialists and nonphysicians.
• HB19: The Building Opportunities for Nurses Act of 2025 expands eligibility for loan assistance repayment programs for nurses and nursing staff.
• HB40/SB258: Increases fees for senior sport fishing licenses, angler’s licenses, and trout stamps, repealing the trout stamp exemption for senior licensees.
• HB222/SB175: Prohibits the sale or distribution of non-arc-resistant jacketed corrugated stainless steel tubing, with violations subject to a $1,000 civil penalty.
• HB390/SB327: Authorizes county governments to exempt property used for rental housing from property tax if at least 25% of units are affordable and part of a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement.
• HB402/SB307: Increases the scholarship award for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education student member from $8,000 to $15,000.
• HB412/SB337: Requires local boards of elections to make meeting agendas and materials publicly available online at least 48 hours in advance, with live video streaming of open meetings.
• HB420/SB459: Replaces the term “auto-injectable epinephrine” with “emergency use epinephrine” for official use.
• HB559/SB544: Requires wineries, breweries, and agrotourism establishments selling food to provide sanitary portable chemical toilets.
• HB598/SB131: Authorizes Anne Arundel County and its municipalities to offer property tax credits to supermarkets in “food deserts.”
• HB782: Requires the Maryland Center for School Safety to study weapon detection in public schools, with an interim report due December 1, 2025.
• HB838/SB854: Specifies that direct-entry midwifery is independent and does not require oversight by another healthcare practitioner.
• HB848/SB474: Mandates that health insurers include specific information in adverse or grievance decision notices, effective October 1, 2025.
• HB869/SB372: The Preserve Telehealth Act of 2025 makes permanent requirements for health insurers to cover telehealth visits.
• HB910/SB911: Increases property tax exemptions for blind individuals or their surviving spouses from $15,000 to $40,000.
• HB964: Establishes a task force to study the displacement of Emory Grove residents due to urban renewal from 1960 to 1985, with an interim report due December 15, 2025.
• HB974: Requires the Maryland Insurance Commissioner to enforce coverage for preventive services without cost-sharing.
• HB995/SB776: Creates a workgroup to study adverse decisions in the state healthcare system, with a report due December 1, 2025.
• SB341: Allows fans to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets at Baltimore Orioles games via electronic devices.
• SB901: Requires producers of certain packaging materials to submit a recycling responsibility plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Legislative Context

These laws reflect the Maryland General Assembly’s efforts to address a diverse array of issues, from social justice and public health to environmental sustainability and economic challenges. The caps on abuse lawsuit payouts, in particular, highlight the tension between fiscal responsibility and victim advocacy, while energy reforms and public safety measures aim to balance immediate resident needs with long-term state goals. As Maryland navigates its path forward, these laws will shape the state’s legal, economic, and cultural landscape.

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