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MarylandHB 01932026 Regular SessionHouse

State Procurement - Transparency and Procedures

Sponsored By: Kenneth Kerr (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State ProcurementAdministrative AgenciesCertificationsClaimsConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Contracts -see also- ProcurementDisclosureEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsNoticesOpen GovernmentPrivacyProcurementRules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

State contractors: written change orders and adjustments

Beginning October 1, 2026, contractors do not start change-order work without a written change order. The order must state how work will be paid and what rules apply. Contracts must also let you seek an equitable adjustment when new state laws raise costs or time. That clause applies to new contracts; older contracts only if both sides agree.

Claim decisions and partial payments for contractors

Beginning October 1, 2026, claim reviews follow clearer steps. The officer reviews the claim, can ask for more data, and usually seeks legal advice. For non-construction contracts, the reviewing authority acts within 180 days unless both sides agree to more time. If the unit agrees it owes part of a claim, it pays the undisputed amount. Before any claim payment, a senior officer must certify the claim is accurate and in good faith. At final payment, the unit releases retainage and pays any interest due.

Contract claim deadlines and documents for contractors

Beginning October 1, 2026, contractors face clearer claim deadlines. File your claim within 60 days. For equitable adjustments, the 60 days start at denial or a written impasse. For other claims, the 60 days start when you knew or should have known. Send a detailed written explanation within 90 days of notice, unless the unit extends time. Costs more than 60 days before the last day to file notice are barred, and unless the unit extends time, costs more than 150 days before that last day are also barred.

Debriefings, protests, and input rules for bidders

Beginning October 1, 2026, unsuccessful bidders can ask for a debriefing. The officer gives it as soon as possible and before the award is approved, excluding confidential or proprietary details. For protests, the officer has 90 days to decide or give a decision date. If they miss 90 days, you can treat it as a denial and appeal. If you gave neutral input on specs that did not give an unfair edge, you are not barred from bidding.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kenneth Kerr

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 300 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 396

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (127-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {953821/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/3/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    3/20/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {823127/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/19/2026House

  15. Hearing 1/27 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/21/2026House

  16. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/14/2026House

  17. Pre-filed

    9/9/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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