All Roll Calls
Yes: 173 • No: 4
MarylandSB 04732026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability
Sponsored By: Shelly Hettleman (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Utility RegulationTransportation - GenerallyPublic SafetyAnnotated Code of MarylandApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.EthicsEvidenceFor-Hire Driving -see also- TaxicabsHuman TraffickingJob 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
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Accepted driver trainings and topics
The law accepts three types of trainings. You can take the U.S. DOT program, any nationally recognized program, or a company digital training built with a recognized anti-trafficking group. Every accepted course must teach how to spot victims, how to respond, and how to report to authorities.
Legal protection when drivers report
Beginning October 1, 2026, licensed taxi, for-hire, and rideshare drivers are not civilly or criminally liable when they report or respond to suspected human trafficking in good faith.
Training proof for taxi and rideshare
Beginning October 1, 2026, taxi, for-hire, and rideshare license applications and renewals must include proof of approved human trafficking training. Local licensing offices must run criminal history and driving record checks for taxi applicants. The Public Service Commission only approves temporary or permanent for-hire and rideshare licenses after it gets your training proof and you pass criminal and driving checks.
30-day training for rideshare drivers
Beginning October 1, 2026, you must finish an approved human trafficking course within 30 days after your first prearranged ride. If you miss the deadline, the company cannot let you give rides in the app. This 30-day rule does not apply if you applied for a rideshare operator license by September 30, 2026 and finished an approved course between June 1, 2025 and November 30, 2026.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Shelly Hettleman
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Katie Fry Hester
Democratic • Senate
Sara Love
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 128 • No: 4 • Other: 9
Senate vote • 3/12/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 278
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/8/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (128-4)
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/3/2026HouseFavorable Report by Environment and Transportation
4/3/2026HouseHearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026HouseReferred Environment and Transportation
3/13/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (45-0)
3/12/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/10/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {263725/1 Adopted
3/10/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Finance
3/9/2026SenateHearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
2/4/2026SenateFirst Reading Finance
2/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/10/2026
First Reading
2/2/2026
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