New Maryland Laws Going Into Effect July 1, 2024: See The List

ANNAPOLIS, MD — From indoor vaping to legacy college admissions to ending child poverty, multiple bills officially become law Monday in Maryland.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore signed 1,049 bills in the weeks after the Maryland General Assembly's 90-day session, according to a Baltimore Sun report. The assembly adjourned for the year on April 8.

More than 480 other pieces of legislation will become law on Oct. 1, the Sun reported. About 140 bills went into effect June 1.

Many of the new laws going into effect Monday will bring significant change to Maryland. Here's a look at some of the most significant bills:

Banning Indoor Vaping (SB 244/HB 238)

Under this bill, vaping will no longer be allowed in indoor public places, public transportation and workplaces. The legislation amends the Maryland Clean Indoor Act, which was signed into law in 2007.

Alcohol Delivery (SB 456/HB 808)

This bill establishes a permit to allow for the delivery of alcoholic beverages from businesses authorized to sell them. Delivery drivers can apply for these licenses for a fee of $1,000.

Ticket Sales And Resales (SB 1113)

The legislation, which is being lauded as a model for state-level ticketing reform, bans speculative ticketing and makes resale platforms accountable for any spec tickets sold or listed on their site. The bill not only requires all-in pricing throughout the purchasing process, but it also codifies that a ticket is a license and not property.

Jobs For Families Of Service Members (SB 478)

The Families Serve Act allows for preferential hiring of spouses of active-duty service members by both private-sector employers and state government. A second piece of legislation — the Time to Serve Act — expand military leave and disaster service leave for state employees who serve in the National Guard or military reserves from 15 days to 30 days.

Ending Child Poverty (SB 482)

The ENOUGH Act, a first-in-the-nation state-level effort to end concentrated poverty, will provide resources and funding to rural, suburban and urban communities with disproportionately high numbers of children living in poverty.

Ending College Legacy Admissions (HB 4)

This legislation prohibits institutions of higher education that receive state funds from considering a legacy preference or donor preference as criteria for admissions at the institution.

Grants For Technology Startups (SB 473)

This law establishes the Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program, which provides grants to technology-based startup companies that are founded by students of postsecondary institutions. It will provide grants to students with businesses in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan statistical area. The program is named for Pava LaPere, the founder and CEO of Baltimore-based startup EcoMap Technologies, who was killed last year.

Providing Contraception To College Students (SB 527/HB 367)

This law will require community colleges to create plans to provide over-the-counter contraception to students. Plans must be implemented by Aug. 1, 2025.

New Vehicle Fees

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will implement new fees and increase registration rates, according to a WJLA report, with prices that could increase by up to 60-70 percent. Fees will also increase for electric vehicle owners who'll have to pay a $250 biannual surcharge.