Maryland 2023 Legislative Session: Wrapped

Maryland had many big-ticket-items in the queue this 2023 Session and proved to be a long (or short depending on who you talk to) 90-day Session. Read more to see what bills and policies are in the headlines following adjournment. As bill signing dates are released, your Compass Government Relations team will keep you apprised of what is being signed into law and when!

Abortion

Approved constitutional amendment to go on ballot in November 2024 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Maryland Constitution
Passed legislation to protect patients/providers from criminal, civil, and administrative penalties relating to abortion bans or restrictions in other states
Passed a data-privacy bill to protect medical and insurance records on reproductive health
Universities in Maryland required to have a plan for student access to birth control methods near campuses

Cannabis

Medical dispensaries can acquire dual licenses to sell recreational cannabis
Tax will be 9%
Adults 21 and over allowed to possess up to 1.5 oz and two marijuana plants

Guns

Private property owners can control whether firearms can be brought onto their property, including commercial establishments
- Defines sensitive places where firearms cannot be carried
Lawmakers removed the “good and substantial reason” from state law
Tightened gun storage laws

Budget

$62.5 billion budget for next fiscal year
$900 million to help pay costs in future years of Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

$15 Minimum Wage

Rate of increasing minimum wage quickened from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2024

Paid Family Leave

Implement law passed last year
Require cost split evenly between worker and employer

Gender Affirming Treatment

State expanded procedures, revisions, and reversals covered under Medicaid

Clergy-Abuse Lawsuits

Lawmakers passed a measure to end the state’s statute of limitations for when civil lawsuits can be filed against public and private institutions related to child sexual abuse.

Offshore Wind