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MarylandHB 02722026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Food Establishments - Lavatory Requirement and On-Farm Food Service Facility License

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Public HealthAgriculture, Department ofAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.AgritourismCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Environment, Department of theFarmlandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.Health, Department ofLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsRestaurantsRestroomsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyWastewater

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New on-farm food service license and rules

Beginning January 31, 2027, Maryland creates an on-farm food service facility license for food service on a farm, as designated by the Department of Health. The license lasts 1 year and needs annual renewal. The Department sets the fee based on oversight costs, but it cannot be more than $100. Except for temporary food facilities, the Department mails a renewal notice at least 1 month before the license expires. The Department, working with environmental, agriculture, and county partners, sets safety rules for water, wastewater, outdoor cooking, farm buildings, and toilets. Local building, zoning, and health rules still apply. The Department of Health cannot assess or value real property for taxes.

Farm venues can use portable toilets

Starting July 1, 2026, certain farm-based venues can meet restroom rules with a portable chemical toilet. This includes agritourism businesses, Class 4 limited wineries, and Class 8 farm breweries. The unit must meet standard lavatory rules and be at least 25 feet from a well. This helps eligible sites avoid building a permanent restroom.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 1 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 189

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (36-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/18/2026Senate

  8. Referred Finance

    2/20/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (133-1)

    2/19/2026House

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/17/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments {723828/1 Adopted

    2/17/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    2/16/2026House

  13. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  14. First Reading Health

    1/14/2026House

  15. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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