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MarylandSB 02132026 Regular SessionSenate

State Procurement - Transparency and Procedures

Sponsored By: Karen Lewis Young (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State ProcurementAdministrative AgenciesCertificationsClaimsConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Contracts -see also- ProcurementDisclosureEthicsNoticesOpen GovernmentPrivacyProcurementRules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Change orders and law-change relief for contractors

Contracts include a clause that lets you seek more money or time if a change in State law raises costs or delays work. You and your subs cannot be forced to start change‑order work until a written change order is issued. The order must say if work follows new law or the contract and how pay is set: agreed price, force account, construction change directive, or time and materials. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply. For contracts awarded before that date, the new equitable‑adjustment clause applies only if both sides agree.

Clearer protests and claim timelines for vendors

If you file a timely protest, the procurement officer reviews it, may request more data, may negotiate, and seeks legal advice on legal issues. If no decision or a notice of the decision date arrives within 90 days, you may treat it as denied. For contract claims, give written notice within 60 days after you knew or should have known the basis. Within 90 days after notice, submit the amount, facts, and support, unless more time is granted. Recovery is barred for costs incurred more than 60 days before the last day to give notice, and more than 150 days before that day unless time is extended. The unit must pay any undisputed amount, and before paying a claim must obtain a senior officer certification of good faith and accuracy. At final payment, the unit releases retainage and pays any interest on it. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply. Claims or protests that start before that date follow the old rules.

Neutral bid input allowed without disqualification

You may share neutral information about a solicitation without being treated as having drafted it. This is allowed only if the information does not give any bidder an unfair advantage. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply.

Timely debriefings for losing bidders

If your offer loses, you can request a debriefing. The procurement officer must provide it as soon as feasible and before the award is approved. It includes relevant information, except confidential, proprietary, or privileged material. The Office of State Procurement must set debriefing rules and a deadline to request one. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 20

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 395

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/11/2026House

  6. Rereferred to Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/9/2026House

  7. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    4/6/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {683521/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/3/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/28 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026Senate

  13. Hearing canceled

    1/15/2026Senate

  14. Hearing 1/21 at 10:00 a.m.

    1/15/2026Senate

  15. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    1/14/2026Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    9/9/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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