Starting October 1, 2025, Maryland will implement 430 new laws, reshaping regulations across criminal justice, public safety, and health. Among the most significant changes are sharply increased speed camera fines, expanded expungement opportunities, and new programs to support public health and safety. These laws, tailored to address local needs in Southern Maryland and beyond, reflect a blend of reform, prevention, and accountability, with measures like the Sgt. Patrick Kepp Act and Eric’s ID Law designed to enhance community safety and equity.
A major overhaul to Maryland’s speed camera system introduces a sliding scale for fines, replacing the previous flat $40 fee. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 12 to 15 miles per hour will now face a $50 fine, with penalties escalating to $70 for 16 to 19 miles over, $120 for 20 to 29 miles, $230 for 30 to 39 miles, and up to $425 for speeds 40 miles or more above the limit. The 12-mph threshold for citations remains unchanged, and cameras are restricted to designated zones, such as school areas, with local government approval.
This change, part of the Sgt. Patrick Kepp Act, also classifies driving 30 mph over the limit as reckless or negligent, carrying potential penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The law honors Sgt. Patrick Kepp, a Montgomery County officer who lost both legs in 2023 after being struck by a driver exceeding 100 mph. The State Highway Administration must form a workgroup by December 1, 2025, to evaluate school-zone camera enforcement, examining their placement and effectiveness in reducing crashes.
Criminal justice reforms feature prominently among the new laws. The Expungement Reform Act of 2025, sponsored on behalf of Governor Wes Moore, expands eligibility for individuals to clear certain criminal records after completing sentences and rehabilitation requirements, including for probation violations. This builds on Moore’s 2024 executive clemency order, which pardoned 175,000 cannabis possession convictions, reflecting Maryland’s push toward second chances for nonviolent offenders.
Similarly, the Second Look Act allows individuals who were 18 to 24 years old at the time of their offense and have served at least 20 years in prison to petition for sentence reconsideration. Exclusions apply to those convicted of sex offenses, the death of a first responder, or those serving life without parole. This law aims to address lengthy sentences for young adults, acknowledging developmental factors in criminal behavior.
Public health measures also take effect October 1. In Baltimore, the HIV Prevention Syringe Services Program will mandate the distribution and disposal of clean syringes at mobile sites, allowing users to exchange needles. The program requires informing participants about the risks of HIV and hepatitis B transmission through unclean needles or unsafe sexual practices. This initiative seeks to curb disease spread in urban areas, with potential benefits for Southern Maryland communities near Baltimore, where similar health challenges persist. Additionally, penalties for drug paraphernalia possession, use, delivery, or sale will decrease from a maximum of two years in prison and a $2,000 fine to one year and $1,000, aligning with efforts to reduce punitive measures for nonviolent drug-related offenses.
Eric’s ID Law introduces a voluntary butterfly symbol on Maryland IDs and driver’s licenses for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Named for Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a Black man with high-functioning autism who advocated for the measure, the symbol alerts police and emergency personnel to conditions that may not be immediately disclosed, enhancing safety during interactions. This law responds to local advocacy in Southern Maryland, where community members have pushed for better protections for vulnerable populations.
These laws reflect Maryland’s broader legislative priorities, balancing public safety with rehabilitation and equity. The Sgt. Patrick Kepp Act addresses reckless driving, a persistent issue in Southern Maryland’s busy corridors like Route 5 and Route 235, where speeding has long concerned residents. The workgroup on school-zone cameras will likely consider local schools in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, ensuring enforcement aligns with community needs. The expungement and sentencing reforms offer pathways for reintegration, particularly for Southern Marylanders seeking employment or housing after nonviolent convictions. Eric’s ID Law and the syringe program underscore a commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, from those with disabilities to those at risk of infectious diseases.
Maryland’s legislative history shows a trend toward progressive reforms, with prior laws like the 2022 cannabis legalization setting the stage for Moore’s pardons and the 2025 expungement expansion. The state’s focus on reducing penalties for minor drug offenses aligns with national trends, though Maryland tailors its approach to local contexts, such as Baltimore’s public health challenges. Southern Maryland, with its mix of rural and suburban areas, benefits from these changes, as they address both local safety concerns and broader social justice goals. The new laws, effective October 1, 2025, aim to create safer, fairer communities while responding to the region’s unique needs.