MarylandHB 11092026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Health Reform Act

Sponsored By: Bonnie Cullison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthBudget and Management, Department ofBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsClassifications and DesignationsCommittee ChangesCommittees and CommissionsCommunity Facilities and ServicesComptrollerContracts -see also- ProcurementCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.CybersecurityDemographics -see also- Census; DataDisparityEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic DocumentsEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsGovernorHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Health Services Cost Review CommissionHospitals -see also- Clinics; State HospitalsInformation TechnologyInformation Technology, Department ofInterestJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsLegislative Services, Department ofMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesPatientsProcurementPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRecruitment and HiringReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Salaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesStorageStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetTimeTreasurersVolunteersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Maryland Corps board adds health officer

The Maryland Corps Program advisory board now has five Governor appointees. One of the Governor’s picks must be a health officer.

Counties can join state health records buy

The Maryland Department of Health must consult local health departments before buying an electronic health records system. If the State buys a system, it must notify each county health officer. Counties can choose to join the State’s purchase.

Health equity reviews for new bills

Legislative staff develop a standard process to assess how bills affect health equity. The process gives lawmakers consistent equity information when making laws.

Public health workforce training fund

The law creates the Public Health Workforce Development Fund to pay for education and training for public‑health workers. Money can come from State appropriations, interest, transfers from the Population Health Improvement Fund, and other sources. Interest earnings on the workforce fund stay in the fund and are not swept to the General Fund. The Health Department and the Health Services Cost Review Commission may move money from the population‑health fund to the workforce fund, consistent with the AHEAD agreement. The Health Department also convenes a workgroup with Budget and local health officers to speed local recruiting and job classification.

Review hospital community benefit spending

The Commission creates a subcommittee to review hospital community benefit rules and spending. The group studies federal and State rules, other states’ practices, local needs, and gaps. It reports findings by August 1, 2027. The Commission sends recommendations to the Governor and lawmakers by September 1, 2027.

Stronger state public health commission

The Public Health Commission now includes key State leaders, local health officers from rural, suburban, and urban areas, and academic voices. The chair must provide staff support; if not, members choose a new chair. The Commission oversees implementation and gets quarterly updates from the Health Department. It must assess core public‑health capabilities, hold at least three public meetings, publish a 30‑day draft, and include dissenting views.

Volunteer corps for health emergencies

The Department of Health organizes the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps as a statewide volunteer network. Clinical and nonclinical volunteers register in a modern electronic system. A surge coordinator on staff plans and runs mobilization for outbreaks, emergencies, and disasters.

Key start dates and sunsets

This Act takes effect July 1, 2026. Section 3 stays in effect for 18 months and ends December 31, 2027. Separately, Chapter 385 (2023) takes effect June 1, 2023 and remains in force through June 30, 2028, then ends.

Faster county health hiring and contracts

A county health officer can hire for a county health job without State approval when the job uses no State money. The officer can enter contracts to help deliver care with county consent and written approval from the Secretary. If the Secretary does not respond within 7 days, the county may proceed. County health officers may serve on hospital boards as local health department representatives only if they do not accept pay for that service.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Guy Guzzone
Democratic • Senate
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 233 • No: 56

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 33 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 95 • No: 18 • Other: 29

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 25 • Other: 11

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 190
4/28/2026
Passed Enrolled
4/13/2026House
Third Reading Passed (95-18)
4/13/2026House
House Concurs Senate Amendments
4/13/2026House
Third Readings Passed with Amendments (33-13)
4/13/2026Senate
Floor Amendment {393122/1 (Senator Beidle) Adopted
4/13/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
4/10/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments {823022/1 Adopted
4/10/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
4/10/2026Senate
Referred Finance Budget and Taxation
3/23/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (105-25)
3/21/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/20/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {153025/1 Adopted
3/20/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
3/20/2026House
Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m. (Health)
2/13/2026House
Hearing canceled (Health)
2/13/2026House
Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m. (Health)
2/13/2026House
First Reading Health and Appropriations
2/11/2026House

Bill Text

Enrolled
4/13/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/20/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/11/2026
PDF

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