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MarylandHB 08292026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

Sponsored By: Eric Ebersole (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationTransportation - GenerallyPublic SafetyAnnotated Code of MarylandApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.EthicsEvidenceFor-Hire Driving -see also- TaxicabsHuman TraffickingInformation TechnologyJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPublic Service CommissionReportsTaxicabsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Legal protection for drivers who report

Starting October 1, 2026, licensed taxicab, for-hire, and transportation network drivers are not civilly or criminally liable for reporting or responding in good faith to suspected human trafficking. This protection encourages honest reporting and response.

For-hire driver licenses require trafficking training

Beginning October 1, 2026, to get a for-hire driver license from the Public Service Commission, you must submit proof you completed approved human trafficking training. For a temporary license, you must also pass national criminal history and driving record checks and submit the training proof. To renew a for-hire license, you must again provide proof you completed the training.

New training and checks for taxicab licenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you apply for a taxicab driver license in your county or city, you must provide proof you finished approved human trafficking training. The licensing office also runs a criminal record check and a driving record check for each applicant. The rule applies to licenses based in that county or city.

Standard human trafficking training required

Beginning October 1, 2026, applicants for taxicab, for-hire, and transportation network operator licenses must complete either the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Leaders Against Human Trafficking course or another nationally recognized training. The training must teach how to spot possible victims, how to respond, and how to report or connect people to help.

Transportation network drivers face 30-day training rule

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission issues temporary transportation network operator licenses only after you pass national criminal and driving checks and provide proof of approved human trafficking training. To get or renew a permanent license, you must provide proof of training; permanent applicants also must submit a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check. A transportation network company may not let you provide rides on its app unless you complete approved training within 30 days after your first prearranged ride. Accepted options include the U.S. DOT course, any nationally recognized program, or a company digital training built with experts. Transitional exemption: If you applied on or before September 30, 2026 and completed qualifying training between June 1, 2025 and November 30, 2026, the new timing rule does not apply to you.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Steve Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Kris Fair

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 1 • Other: 9

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 123 • No: 3 • Other: 16

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 279

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (131-1)

    4/9/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {683021/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Finance

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (123-3)

    3/19/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {233423/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/19/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  15. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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