MARYLAND — The start of July means a bevy of new laws took effect across Maryland, and it's not just legislation that received a signature from Gov. Wes Moore.
Hundreds of laws were passed by County Councils, including some that implement changes to the minimum wage or eviction procedures. Federal passages are also having an impact.
Below is a list of some changes that took effect on July 1, 2026, in Maryland. A full record of new state laws can be found online.
Major updates to federal student loan rules mean millions of borrowers will have fewer repayment options as of July 1, while stricter limits are imposed on students looking to fund their studies.
Some borrowers may see their monthly repayment dues increase to higher plans. The U.S Department of Education is expected to notify borrowers of a 90-day window when they can select a new repayment option.
The changes stem from the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
After July 1, lottery operators will have to withhold any prize money won by individuals who either owe child support or any similar debts to the state.
Lottery operators will be required to check prize winners against data from the Central Collection Unit and the Child Support Administration. Officials will be required to inform lottery winners.
While many schools have policies restricting cellphone use, a new state law requires that school systems implement a "bell-to-bell" ban by the 2027-2028 school year.
Electronic devices ranging from tablets to laptops, smart watches and wireless headphones are included in the ban.
However, exceptions are being made to school-issued devices, electronics approved for educational purposes and items used for translation or caregiving responsibilities.
Residents will see the price of parking garages increase in some areas and decrease in others.
In Montgomery County, rates will go up at the Wheaton Market Place garages and parking lots by as much as $1 and $1.25 for on-street parking. However, the spike will be offset by new free parking hours during the week and weekends.
In Anne Arundel County, landlords will be required to give tenants two weeks' notice before scheduling any repossessions of property. Previously, a six-day notice was in place.
In Baltimore County, businesses serving alcohol will be able to apply for permits that allow the purchase of carryout alcoholic beverages.
Stipulations indicate that to-go drinks must be bought with carryout food, and that beverages must be sold sealed.
In Montgomery County, residents will see a 35-cent spike in minimum wage for companies that boast more than 51 employees, bringing the hourly rate to $18.
Mid-size companies, defined as businesses with 11 to 50 workers, will be required to provide a base pay of $16.50. The new tally is a 50-cent increase.
Businesses with 10 or fewer employees will see a 45-cent hourly raise to $15.95.
When it comes to tipped individuals, employers are required to pay at least $4 per hour and ensure that the total tipped amount and hourly pay match the county's minimum wage standards.
A release issued by the Comptroller of Maryland states the gas tax will increase to 46.6 cents per gallon, a roughly six-tenths bump from current levels. For diesel fuel, drivers will see taxes jump to 47.5 cents per gallon.
The spike, which is in addition to the federal tax that amounts to 18.4 cents per gallon, marks the first increase in two years for the state.
Each of Maryland's county school boards must include provisions that allow for an excused or discretionary absence for any student participating in civic engagement activities, which range from providing testimony to meeting with lawmakers and taking part in a Maryland General Assembly program.
All higher education institutions with on-campus housing will be required to provide free menstrual hygiene products in health centers on or before Aug. 1, 2028.
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