PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 08292026 Regular SessionHouse

Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

Sponsored By: Eric Ebersole (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationTransportation - GenerallyPublic SafetyAnnotated Code of MarylandApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.EthicsEvidenceFor-Hire Driving -see also- TaxicabsHuman TraffickingInformation TechnologyJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPublic Service CommissionReportsTaxicabsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Legal protection for drivers who report trafficking

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensed taxicab, for‑hire, and rideshare drivers are immune from civil and criminal liability for good‑faith reports or responses to suspected human trafficking. This protection also covers applicants and holders of temporary or permanent transportation network operator licenses. It lowers legal risk when you act in good faith to help.

Required trafficking training for taxi and for‑hire drivers

Beginning October 1, 2026, all new and renewing taxicab and for‑hire drivers must submit proof of human trafficking training with their applications. Counties and cities must collect this proof for local taxi licenses, and the Public Service Commission requires it for state for‑hire licenses. Approved options include the U.S. DOT course or any nationally recognized course that teaches how to spot, respond to, and report trafficking. The Commission may issue a temporary license only after training proof and initial background and driving checks are in. Expect added time and possibly a small cost to take and document the training.

Rideshare drivers must finish training in 30 days

Starting October 1, 2026, rideshare companies cannot let you keep driving unless you complete approved human trafficking training within 30 days after your first prearranged ride. The company must verify you finished it. Approved options include the U.S. DOT course, any nationally recognized course, or a digital course the company created with a recognized expert group. If you applied on or before September 30, 2026 and finished a qualifying course between June 1, 2025 and November 30, 2026, the 30‑day rule does not apply to you.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Andre V. Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Kris Fair

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Sarah Wolek

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 1 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 123 • No: 3 • Other: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 279

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (131-1)

    4/9/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {683021/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Finance

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (123-3)

    3/19/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {233423/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/19/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  15. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation