2026 Maryland Legislative Session Comes to a Close

Much like the challenging session last year, 2026 proved to be equally demanding. Over 2,500 bills were introduced across both the House and Senate, with 884 successfully passed and a majority of those have already been signed into law by the Governor.

The Maryland General Assembly focused on two primary issues during the 2026 session: balancing the state budget amid ongoing deficits and addressing the rising cost of energy and living for Maryland residents. Lawmakers ultimately passed a balanced budget without increasing taxes.

The three following bills summaries highlight key priority legislation that ABC of Metro Washington either supported or successfully opposed. These outcomes reflect the strong leadership and coordinated efforts of our Joint Legislative Committee, lobbying team, and engaged members who acted to make a difference throughout the 90-day session.

Fraud Prevention, Prevailing Wage, and Living Wage - Prohibitions, Penalties, and Enforcement (HB 299/SB 60): Prevailing Wage Enforcement Expansion (HB 299 / SB 60):

This bill represents the most significant threat to the Merit Shop this session. The bill significantly expands prevailing wage requirements and enforcement in Maryland. It increases penalties, broadens investigations, and makes general contractors responsible not just for their own compliance, but also for violations anywhere down the subcontracting chain.

HB 299/SB 60 imposed sweeping joint and several liability on general contractors for the actions of subcontractors, regardless of control, knowledge, or contractual relationship. In practice, this means contractors could be held legally responsible for decisions they do not make and cannot realistically oversee. General contractors do not control subcontractors’ hiring, payroll, or internal operations, and there is no reliable way to verify internal records or detect potential violations.

This approach would also have significant unintended consequences. To limit risk, contractors would be forced to work only with larger subcontractors that have the financial capacity to absorb potential liability, reducing opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses across the state. At the same time, Maryland already has enforcement tools in place to address wage requirements.

Outcome: Thanks to strong advocacy efforts, this bill failed on the final night of session before the Maryland General Assembly adjourned at midnight. Special thanks to our members who contacted Senate President Ferguson and other legislators. Your actions truly made a difference.

State Procurement- Transparency and Procedures (HB 193 / SB 213):

This bill improves transparency and consistency in state contracting by requiring debriefings for unsuccessful bidders, updating conflict-of-interest rules, standardizing contract provisions related to legal changes, and clarifying procedures for change orders.

Outcome: ABC of Metro Washington supported this bill, and it was signed into law on May 12, 2026.

Prince George’s County – Tax Increment Financing (HB 1247):

This legislation expands tax increment financing (TIF) tools in Prince George’s County by broadening the definition of an extraordinary development district to include major immersive entertainment venues. It also allows bond proceeds to support acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of such projects.