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MarylandHB 02722026 Regular SessionHouse

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

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

Portable toilets allowed for farm businesses

Beginning January 31, 2027, covered farm businesses can use portable chemical toilets to meet the required restroom-access rule. This option covers agritourism businesses, Class 4 limited wineries, and Class 8 farm breweries. Toilets must meet applicable sanitation standards and stand at least 25 feet from any well.

Yearlong farm food licenses capped at $100

Beginning January 31, 2027, Maryland's on-farm food service licenses last one year instead of 30 consecutive days. Annual renewal replaces the former allowance for up to two renewals within a year. Maryland's Department of Health sets the fee based on expected licensing, inspection, and regulation costs, with a $100 maximum. Licenses expire one year after issuance or renewal unless renewed again; applicable local law and the stated state-law exception still apply. At least one month before expiration, the department must send a first-class renewal notice to the licensee's last known address. Notices give the expiration date and deadline for receiving a completed renewal application; temporary food service facilities are excluded.

Tailored health rules for farm food businesses

Beginning January 31, 2027, Maryland's Department of Health must set health rules for on-farm food service facilities. Rules cover handwashing and food-preparation water, wastewater, outdoor cooking and food preparation, farm structures for preparation and seating, toilets, and other health protections. The department can tailor rules based on visitor numbers, operating frequency, existing or planned structures, and fit with ongoing farm operations. It must consult Maryland's environment and agriculture departments, affected stakeholders, the appropriate delegated approval authority, and at least one county representative designated by the Maryland Association of Counties. Local building, zoning, land-use, public-health, and safety requirements remain in place. This licensing authority does not let the health department value property for taxation or exercise powers reserved to Maryland's property-assessment agency.

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 • Other: 11

House vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 1 • Other: 1

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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