All Roll Calls
Yes: 203 • No: 231
MarylandHB 06372026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)
Sponsored By: Gabriel Acevero (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Health Care Facilities and RegulationHealth - InsuranceHealth OccupationsChildren (4-12)Electronic GovernmentHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Care CommissionHealth, Department ofHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsImmunizationInfants and Toddlers (0-3)Internet -see also- Internet AccessPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPublic InformationRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTime
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No deductible for kids’ vaccines
Family plans must include a child wellness package. It covers all childhood and teen vaccines recommended by CDC’s advisory group as of December 31, 2024, plus later state updates. Insurers cannot apply a deductible to this vaccine coverage. This rule takes effect July 1, 2026.
No-copay vaccines and preventive services
Insurers must cover key preventive care with no copay. This includes services rated A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, routine vaccines on CDC schedules, infant and child screenings backed by HRSA, and women’s preventive care including contraception. The Insurance Commissioner enforces using federal guidance in place on December 31, 2024 and later state updates. Coverage starts for plan years that begin one year after the state issues its recommendations. The law applies to policies issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Pharmacists can give more vaccines
Starting July 1, 2026, trained Maryland pharmacists can give many vaccines. With at least 20 hours of approved hands-on training, in-person CPR, and 2 hours of vaccine continuing education each renewal, a pharmacist may give flu, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to people age 3 and up. They may give other recommended vaccines to people age 7 and up. Pharmacists must follow written protocols and report all shots to ImmuNet, the state registry.
Maryland sets official prevention guidance
The state health secretary sets and publishes official recommendations for vaccines, screenings, and other preventive care for all ages. If a new non-vaccine service lacks federal backing or an A/B task force rating, the state holds at least 30 days of public comment, gets a Maryland Health Care Commission analysis, and cites medical sources. These recommendations are posted online and sent to health professionals and insurers. At the same time, the law repeals old pertussis sections (Health – General §§ 18–328 to 18–332). These changes take effect July 1, 2026.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Gabriel Acevero
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Nick Allen
Democratic • House
Marlon Amprey
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Harry Bhandari
Democratic • House
Adrian Boafo
Democratic • House
Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House
Derrick Coley
Democratic • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Dana Jones
Democratic • House
Eric Ebersole
Democratic • House
Mark Edelson
Democratic • House
Diana M. Fennell
Democratic • House
Linda Foley
Democratic • House
Catherine M. Forbes
Democratic • House
Michele Guyton
Democratic • House
Guy Guzzone
Democratic • Senate
Andrea Fletcher Harrison
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Julian Ivey
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Robbyn Lewis
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
House
Bernice Mireku-North
Democratic • House
David Moon
House
Gabriel M. Moreno
Democratic • House
Darrell Odom
Democratic • House
Julie Palakovich Carr
Democratic • House
Cheryl E. Pasteur
Democratic • House
Edith J. Patterson
Democratic • House
N. Scott Phillips
Democratic • House
Andrew C. Pruski
Democratic • House
Lily Qi
Democratic • House
Denise Roberts
Democratic • House
Mike Rogers
Democratic • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Malcolm P. Ruff
Democratic • House
Gary Simmons
Democratic • House
Jared Solomon
Democratic • House
Ryan Spiegel
Democratic • House
Vaughn Stewart
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Veronica Turner
Democratic • House
Joe Vogel
Democratic • House
Ron Watson
Democratic • Senate
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Greg Wims
Democratic • House
Jamila J. Woods
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House
Chao Wu
Democratic • House
Natalie Ziegler
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 31 • No: 13 • Other: 3
House vote • 3/21/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 98 • No: 32 • Other: 11
House vote • 3/20/2026
Floor Amendment {863029/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected
Yes: 37 • No: 94 • Other: 10
House vote • 3/20/2026
Floor Amendment {203925/1 (Delegate Miller) Rejected
Yes: 37 • No: 92 • Other: 13
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 7
4/14/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (31-13)
4/8/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed
4/7/2026SenateFavorable Adopted
4/7/2026SenateFavorable Report by Finance
4/6/2026SenateReferred Finance
3/23/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (98-32)
3/21/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/20/2026HouseFloor Amendment {203925/1 (Delegate Miller) Rejected (37-92)
3/20/2026HouseFloor Amendment {863029/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected (37-94)
3/20/2026HouseMotion Special Order until Next Session (Delegate Arikan) Adopted
3/20/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {493126/1 Adopted
3/20/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Health
3/20/2026HouseHearing 2/26 at 1:30 p.m.
2/26/2026HouseHearing canceled
2/26/2026HouseHearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
2/5/2026HouseHearing canceled
2/5/2026HouseHearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.
2/4/2026HouseFirst Reading Health
1/30/2026House
Bill Text
Enacted
4/14/2026
Third Reading
3/20/2026
First Reading
1/30/2026
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