MarylandHB 04482025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Modernization of Military Laws Act

Sponsored By: Nicholaus R. Kipke (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsElectionsHuman RelationsBi-County AgenciesArmed Forces -see also- Military Department; VeteransCemeteriesCivil Rights and Social EquityDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsDiscriminationGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteGovernorGroup Homes -see also- Foster Care; JuvFacil; SubsAbTrtHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLegislative Services, Department ofMilitary FamiliesPolitical CandidatesPublic Benefits -see also- FoodStmps; Housing; MedAsstRecruitment and HiringReportsService AnimalsSpousesState EmployeesVeterans and Military Families, Department ofVeteransWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Broader access to Maryland veterans’ homes

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland removes the separate honorable-discharge requirement for admission to its veterans’ home. Veteran applicants must still meet the applicable veteran definition and Maryland residency rules set by the Secretary. Spouses of eligible veterans can also qualify. The law does not guarantee a place or set a fee.

Reserve families gain burial access with fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland state veterans’ cemeteries offer burial access to qualified reserve members and eligible spouses and dependents. Members must complete their service obligation, serve under conditions other than dishonorable, and lack eligibility for national veterans’ cemetery burial. Members must have Maryland residency when entering the reserves, at death, or for two years. The Department can waive the two-year period for a compelling reason. At burial, these reserve families must pay a fee equal to the National Cemetery Administration’s annual plot allowance. Burial remains free for qualifying veterans and their eligible spouses and dependents.

New eligibility rules for Maryland veterans

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland uses the federal definition of veteran in 38 U.S.C. § 101 unless another law provides otherwise. This definition affects access to state benefits, rights, and privileges. For State Government Article § 9-957, veterans must also live in Maryland or receive care at a Maryland veterans affairs or Defense Department medical facility. The supplied provisions do not show whether eligibility expands or narrows overall.

Reserve members gain clearer discrimination protections

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland counts reserve membership in the uniformed services as military status for housing and job discrimination protections. This replaces the narrower reference to reserve components of the armed forces. The provision does not set a payment or damages amount.

Hiring preferences for veterans and spouses

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland veterans’ homes must give hiring preference to veterans honorably discharged from the uniformed services. The Public Service Commission can also give hiring and promotion preferences to veterans and qualifying spouses. Qualifying spouses include spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities and surviving spouses of deceased veterans. The Commission’s preference is optional, and neither rule guarantees a job or promotion.

Alternative filing for candidates away from Maryland

Beginning October 1, 2025, candidates unable to file in person can use an alternative candidacy filing process. This applies when illness, uniformed service, or temporary absence from Maryland prevents in-person filing. Candidates must submit an affidavit fully explaining what prevented them from filing in person.

Coordinated benefits guidance for military families

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans and Military Families must develop coordinated policies for major life changes. These policies must guide veterans, service members, and families and help them secure benefits earned through uniformed service, including reserve service. The law does not promise a specific service or payment.

Governor’s militia command excludes active uniformed service

Beginning October 1, 2025, the Governor’s command over Maryland’s land and naval militia excludes portions in active uniformed service. This sets a boundary on state command authority. It does not create an individual household benefit or duty.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Nicholaus R. Kipke
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Harry Bhandari
Democratic • House
Brian Chisholm
Republican • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Pam Lanman Guzzone
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Anne R. Kaiser
Democratic • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Matthew Morgan
Republican • House
Ashanti Martinez
Democratic • House
Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk
Democratic • House
Teresa E. Reilly
Republican • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Jamila J. Woods
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2025