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MarylandHB 13452026 Regular SessionHouse

Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void

Sponsored By: Jon S. Cardin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Estates and TrustsBeneficiariesEstates and Trusts -see also- BeneficiariesEthicsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death Penalty

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Challenge a trust without penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, a trust clause that punishes someone for contesting the trust is void when probable cause exists. If you are a beneficiary or other interested person, you can challenge the trust or start other estate‑related proceedings without losing your share when probable cause supports it. The law applies only to claims that arise on or after July 1, 2026. It does not change cases that started before that date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 502

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/24/2026Senate

  8. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/18/2026House

  10. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026House

  11. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    3/18/2026House

  12. Hearing 3/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    3/11/2026House

  13. Hearing canceled

    3/11/2026House

  14. Hearing 3/11 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/11/2026House

  15. Hearing canceled

    3/11/2026House

  16. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/16/2026House

  17. First Reading Judiciary

    2/12/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/12/2026

    PDF

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