Adam RollinsMaryland lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 Legislative session in April, passing 94 bills before adjourning. The state went into session in January, prioritizing bills that would address energy needs, economic growth support, health care and the state budget’s $3 billion deficit.
A trio of energy reform bills was passed that endorse the state’s efforts to increase power generation and institute regulations on utilities that will offset rate increases. The Next Generation Energy Act stands out among the bills, enabling the Department of Housing and Community Development to partner with neighboring states and federal agencies to develop new nuclear energy generation stations.
Another bill included in the energy package—titled the Renewable Energy Certainty Act —established consistent standards for solar energy projects. These include requiring the Department of Natural Resources to update tools and analyze land suitable for solar energy development, mandating the Maryland Department of Labor to create a special solar contractor license and outlining requirements for building solar energy generating stations or front-of-the-meter energy storage devices. The final bill in the package established a state office dedicated to energy planning.
The 2026 budget was passed on the final day of the session, narrowly avoiding a damaging $3 billion deficit. The state created two new tax brackets targeting the highest earners, placing higher tax rates on those who earn $250,000 or more annually, IT and data services, cannabis and sports betting. The Legislature also made $2 billion in cuts to special funds, the state workforce and transfers from the dedicated purpose account to the general fund.
In health care, lawmakers passed a measure establishing a program providing subsidies to young adults to get affordable health insurance. The state also expanded the Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s authority to create upper payment limits for prescription drugs statewide.
The Maryland Department of Health will be allocated $25 million to support an abortion grant program and to cover the costs of the uninsured.
Photo Courtesy
Martin Falbisoner via Wikimedia Commons
