ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Wes Moore signed nearly 200 bills into law Thursday during the second of four post-session bill signing ceremonies, advancing measures that address consumer protections, foster care oversight, voting rights, and economic opportunity across Maryland.
At the forefront is the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, which positions Maryland as the first state to ban dynamic pricing and the use of personal consumer data to raise grocery prices. The legislation prohibits grocers and third-party delivery services from adjusting prices based on surveillance data or individual purchasing patterns, requiring instead transparent and consistent pricing at checkout.
“ At a time when our people are being squeezed by the cost of everything, especially groceries, Maryland is not just pushing back, but pushing forward,” Moore said. “Many of the bills I’m signing today are about protecting our people, and each was made possible because of the courage of Marylanders who showed up, advocated, and refused to let politics drown out the work of delivering results for our state.”
Lawmakers and advocates described the predatory pricing measure as a direct response to rising food costs that have strained family budgets statewide, including in Southern Maryland’s Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, where residents rely on a mix of local grocers and larger chains.
Another key bill, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 — Counties and Municipal Corporations, prohibits election methods for county or municipal governing bodies that result in polarized voting or dilute the votes of protected classes. The measure, backed by the Legislative Black Caucus and the Legal Defense Fund, authorizes legal action for injunctive relief and damages to safeguard voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice.
In the area of child welfare, Kanaiyah’s Law establishes a Guardianship Assistance Program offering financial support to guardianship families. It mandates annual background checks for all adults in households receiving assistance and creates a State Foster Youth Ombudsman within the Department of Human Services. Named for 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward, who died while in state care, the legislation aims to strengthen safety and accountability for Maryland’s foster youth.
The MDiplomaWorks Pathway expands access to high school diplomas for approximately 500,000 Maryland adults without one by recognizing academic competencies and workforce experience. Officials said the new route will open doors to better jobs and further education, particularly beneficial in Southern Maryland’s workforce-driven economy tied to agriculture, defense and maritime industries.
Consumer protections also appear in revisions to earned wage access services. The updated law bars providers from requesting or accepting gratuities, making Maryland the first state to ban tips on these transactions and shielding borrowers from predatory practices.
Honoring agricultural roots, the Charles J. Otto Agricultural Education Promise Act creates the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund. Grants from the fund will support agricultural fairs and education programs, continuing the legacy of the late Delegate Charles Otto, who represented the Eastern Shore and advocated for rural communities during 15 years in the General Assembly. Southern Maryland’s farming heritage stands to benefit directly from these resources.
Environmental conservation gains ground through the Jack Cover Vernal Pools Act of 2026. The law directs the Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with the Department of the Environment, to identify and maintain a list of vernal pools — seasonal wetlands vital to hundreds of species and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It honors the late Jack Cover, a noted Maryland conservationist and former general curator at the National Aquarium.
Additional bills signed Thursday cover a broad spectrum of state priorities, from public safety enhancements to regulatory updates. The complete list is available at governor.maryland.gov/news/Pages/bill-signings.aspx.
Moore’s administration framed the package as part of a broader effort to deliver tangible results for Maryland families facing economic pressures while protecting democratic institutions and vulnerable populations. Thursday’s ceremony continues a series of signings that will address the full scope of legislation passed during the recent General Assembly session.
Southern Maryland residents and local leaders will closely monitor implementation of the new consumer, education and agricultural measures, which align with regional needs in housing affordability, workforce development and preservation of rural and waterfront resources.
