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MarylandHB 01032026 Regular SessionHouse

Consumer Protection - Consumer Contracts - Prohibited Waivers

Sponsored By: Vaughn Stewart (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionConsumer ProtectionContracts -see also- ProcurementDamagesEthicsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyStorageTimeUnfair Trade Practices

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

No fine print can waive your rights

Consumer contracts cannot make you give up rights or remedies the law gives you. You cannot be forced to waive statutory or punitive damages, declaratory relief, or an injunction when the law allows them. These protections cannot be waived in the contract; any illegal clause is void and the rest of the contract still applies. A contract may cap statutory or punitive damages at the business’s insurance coverage. Some services are exempt, including self‑service storage, regulated utility/telecom/energy services, and licensed security system services. Valid arbitration clauses under federal law still stand, and a contract can always give you more rights than the law.

No shorter lawsuit deadlines in contracts

Consumer contracts cannot set a shorter time to sue than Maryland law allows. The law adjusts which contracts are exempt from this rule. Courts do not enforce a shorter deadline, and businesses cannot rely on it as a defense. This applies whether or not the contract has arbitration, but valid arbitration clauses remain enforceable.

Only new contracts after 2026

The law applies only to contracts made on or after its start date. It takes effect on the later of October 1, 2026, or when Chapter 194 of the 2025 Acts takes effect. Older contracts stay the same and are not changed by this law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 79

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 11 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 84 • No: 32 • Other: 24

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 95 • No: 36 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 308

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (84-32)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (35-11)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {243625/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/13/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (95-36)

    3/20/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {343720/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/19/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026House

  16. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/14/2026House

  17. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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