Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed 153 bills into law following the 2026 legislative session, focusing on enhancing public safety and health. Key among these is the Short-Term Rental Safety Act, effective October 1, which mandates safety features such as emergency contact information, evacuation plans, fire extinguishers, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in certain rental units. The law also requires inspections and reporting to the State Fire Marshal. Additionally, the Vax Act, effective July 1, directs the Maryland Secretary of Health to issue vaccine and preventive service recommendations based on scientific guidance, impacting health insurance coverage for immunizations.
Other significant laws include House Bill 284, which requires licensed firearm dealers to notify State Police within 24 hours of certain crimes or security breaches, and House Bill 286, mandating that individuals convicted of driving under the influence participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program to prevent impaired driving. Both bills take effect on October 1. Governor Moore plans to continue signing more bills in the coming weeks as numerous measures await his approval.
