MarylandHB 11092026 Regular SessionHouse

Public Health Reform Act

Sponsored By: Bonnie Cullison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthBudget and Management, Department ofBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsClassifications and DesignationsCommittee ChangesCommittees and CommissionsCommunity Facilities and ServicesComptrollerContracts -see also- ProcurementCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.CybersecurityDemographics -see also- Census; DataDisparityEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic DocumentsEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsGovernorHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Health Services Cost Review CommissionHospitals -see also- Clinics; State HospitalsInformation TechnologyInformation Technology, Department ofInterestJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsLegislative Services, Department ofMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesPatientsProcurementPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRecruitment and HiringReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Salaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesStorageStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetTimeTreasurersVolunteersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Counties Can Join State EHR Purchases

The Health Department must consult county health departments before buying an electronic health records system. If the State buys a system, it must tell each county health officer. Each county is offered a chance to join the State’s purchase. This improves system alignment and can reduce duplicate costs for local health departments.

Faster Contract Approvals for Local Health

The Secretary of Health can delegate contract approval to the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, who can then delegate to local health officers. If the Secretary does not respond to a county’s written request within 7 days, the county health officer may sign the contract. This speeds local public health agreements and clarifies approval paths.

New Funds To Build Public Health Workforce

The law creates the Population Health Improvement Fund on 2023-06-14 through 2028-06-30. Money in this fund supports statewide health projects that follow the State health equity plan and AHEAD targets, and it may be transferred to the workforce fund. The law also creates a Public Health Workforce Development Fund on 2023-06-14 through 2028-06-30 to pay for public health education and training. The Community Health Resources Commission runs the workforce fund. Beginning 2026-07-01, a workgroup reviews hiring and job classification to speed local public health recruiting.

Review Of Hospital Community Benefit Spending

Starting 2026-07-01, the Commission creates a subcommittee to review hospital community benefit rules and spending. The group checks federal and State rules, looks at other states, and finds gaps with State and local health priorities. It must recommend how to modernize spending standards, policies, and reporting. Findings go to the Commission by 2027-08-01, and to the Governor and legislature by 2027-09-01. The subcommittee ends on 2027-12-31.

Statewide Medical Reserve Corps for Emergencies

The law creates a statewide Medical Reserve Corps. It includes clinical and nonclinical volunteers. The Health Department keeps an electronic sign‑up and tracking system. A surge coordinator plans and improves how volunteers are used. Volunteers support local response during outbreaks, disasters, and other public health emergencies.

Stronger Public Health Commission And Oversight

The Commission adds seats for budget and IT leaders and the CRISP CEO, plus more local and academic public health experts. The chair must provide staff support or be replaced; the Commission may form workgroups and include public members. The Department of Health reports quarterly on how it carries out Commission recommendations. Each year by January 1, the Commission reports progress and barriers to the Governor and the legislature. The Commission must also hold at least three public meetings in different parts of the State with time for public comment.

No Pay For Health Officers On Hospital Boards

A county health officer may serve on a hospital’s board only as an unpaid representative of the local health department. Paid service is not allowed. This keeps representation while preventing pay that could pose a conflict.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Andre V. Johnson
Democratic • House
Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Pam Lanman Guzzone
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
Democratic • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 233 • No: 56

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 33 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 95 • No: 18 • Other: 27

House vote • 3/21/2026