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MarylandHB 00652026 Regular SessionHouse

Estates and Trusts - Fiduciaries - Attorney-Client Privilege

Sponsored By: Jon S. Cardin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Estates and TrustsAttorneysAttorneys' FeesBeneficiariesEstates and Trusts -see also- BeneficiariesEthicsFiduciariesPrivileged Communications

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Attorney-client privacy for fiduciaries

Beginning October 1, 2026, talks between a lawyer and a client acting as a fiduciary stay private unless the client waives it. This stays true even if the lawyer is paid with trust or estate funds. The law says that just having a fiduciary–beneficiary relationship does not cancel attorney‑client privilege. It also says an “agent” under Maryland law counts as a fiduciary. This clarifies rights for trustees, personal representatives, agents, and their attorneys.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 15

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 501

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/13/2026House

  9. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/13/2026House

  10. Hearing 1/28 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  11. Hearing canceled

    1/16/2026House

  12. Hearing 1/28 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  13. First Reading Judiciary

    1/14/2026House

  14. Pre-filed

    10/22/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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