MarylandSB 02152026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Veterans and Uniformed Services - Maryland Veterans Trust Fund and Application of Laws

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsLocal Government - GenerallyHunting and FishingCivil Actions and ProceduresPrimary and Secondary EducationFamily LawInsurance - Other than HealthReal PropertyState Government - PersonnelPensions and RetirementTransportation - HighwaysArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesAwards, Medals, and Prizes -see also- Gaming&Gambl; LotteryDomestic Violence -see also- Child Abuse & NeglectEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Federal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevLandlords and TenantsLicense Plates -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationProtection and Peace OrdersPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HsePublic Employees -see also- State EmployeesRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Safety -see also- Occupational SafetySports and RecreationVeteransVictims -see also- Criminal Injuries Compensation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

No trout stamp on military leave

If you are a Maryland resident serving in the uniformed services, you do not need a trout stamp while fishing here during your leave. You must carry a copy of your official leave order while angling. This applies starting October 1, 2026.

Diplomas for WWII, Korea, Vietnam enlistees

You can apply for a Maryland high school diploma if you left a State‑accredited full‑time high school to enlist in World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict. You must show an honorable discharge. This rule starts October 1, 2026.

Eviction rule for active duty landlords

This eviction rule applies only when the landlord or spouse is an active service member. They must have moved to Maryland because of service. They must plan to live in the home after the court judgment. They must file proof with the complaint. The change starts October 1, 2026.

All changes start October 1, 2026

All parts of this law take effect on October 1, 2026.

Plate fees fund Maryland Veterans Trust

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund gets money from fees on some special license plates. These plates are for people who earned certain combat or top‑level uniformed services medals. The fees go to the Fund starting October 1, 2026.

Unified definitions for service members statewide

Maryland uses one set of definitions for service members across many laws. The law defines 'military protection order' as orders under 10 U.S.C. 1567. Courts and family law use that same meaning. Real property rules now use the same meanings for 'active service member,' 'active duty,' and 'reserve component.' Transportation rules say a federal facility includes uniformed services installations. These changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Veteran local credit ends after crimes

If you qualify for a county or city veteran credit, you are ineligible if you are convicted of a crime after discharge or after completing service. This change starts October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 494

    5/12/2026
  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate
  3. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/13/2026House
  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House
  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/11/2026House
  6. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m. (Government, Labor, and Elections)

    3/23/2026House
  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections Judiciary

    3/13/2026House
  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    3/12/2026Senate
  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026Senate
  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate
  11. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/9/2026Senate
  12. Hearing 2/12 at 2:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)

    2/3/2026Senate
  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate
  14. Pre-filed

    6/26/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

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