All Roll Calls
Yes: 226 • No: 0
MarylandSB 02422026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Modernizing Civil Relief for Service Members Act
Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)
Signed by Governor
State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsHealth OccupationsBusiness Occupations and ProfessionsAbandoned VehiclesAccountantsAcupuncturistsAdministrative AgenciesAgents and BrokersAgriculture, Department ofAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkApplicants and ApplicationsAppraisalsApprenticeships and InternshipsArchitects and ArchitectureArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcAssisted LivingAttorneysAudiologists and Speech PathologistsCalvert CountyCertificationsChemical TestsChild CareChiropractorsCivil Rights and Social EquityCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsComplementary and Alternative MedicineContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.CosmetologistsCounselors and TherapistsCriminal Background InvestigationsDealers -see also- Motor Vehicle Dealers and SalespeopleDentistsDietitians and NutritionistsDriver EducationEducation, State Board ofElectronic Funds TransferElectronic GovernmentElectriciansElectrologistsElevatorsEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdEnergy Matters -see also- Fuel; NuclearMatt; PwrPlnts; etc.Engineers and EngineeringEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Explosives -see also- FireworksFertilizersFinance CompaniesFinancial Institutions -see also- Banks; Credit Unions; etc.Financial Regulation, Division ofFire ProtectionFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.ForestersFuneralsGeneticsGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsGunsHealth, Department ofHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hearing AidsHeating and CoolingHome DetentionIndustry and ManufacturingInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionInsurance AdministrationInterstate AffairsLaboratoriesLabor, Department ofLabor and Industry, Division ofLandscape ArchitectsLand Surveyors and SurveysLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLong-Term Care -see also- Continuing Care; Nursing HomesManagers and SupervisorsMassageMedical Testing and DiagnosisMedication TechnitionsMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.MidwivesMilk ProductsMiningMortgagesMorticiansMotor Vehicle Dealers and SalespeopleMotor Vehicle EquipmentMotor Vehicle InspectionNatural Resources, Department ofNurses -see also- Nurse Practitioners; Nursing AssistantsNursing AssistantsNursing Homes -see also- AsstLiving; ContinCare; LTCareOccupational TherapistsOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansPawnshopsPest ControlPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPhysicians -see also- MedExmnrs; Pediatr; Psychiatrists etc.Physical TherapistsPilots and Docking MastersPlumbingPodiatristsPrecious Metals and StonesPsychologistsPublications -see also- Maryland Register; TextbooksPublic Service CommissionPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRadiationReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersReal PropertyRecyclingRefuse Disposal -see also- RecyclingRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationRetail SalesRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySales and Use TaxSchool AdministrationSocial WorkersSpecial EventsSports and RecreationSpousesState Police, Department ofSubstance Abuse TreatmentSupreme Court of MarylandSurveillanceTax PreparersTimeTowingTransient MerchantsTreesUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterVeteransVeterinariansVocational RehabilitationWastewaterWells -see also- Hydraulic Fracturing; WaterWholesale DistributionWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.Wreckers and Scrap Processors
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
14 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
Military families can cancel key contracts
If you or your spouse get military orders to move for 90 days or more to a place the service will not work, you can end or pause the contract. This covers phone, internet, TV, gym/athletic club, and satellite radio. Send written or electronic notice and a copy of the orders. Companies cannot charge penalties or bill you after the end date. You can restart on similar terms within 90 days after you return.
Faster teacher licensing for military families
Active service members, eligible veterans, and eligible spouses can get an expedited Maryland educator license based on a valid out‑of‑state license in good standing. The one‑year timing limit is removed. If you are already authorized under the military licensure law, the State cannot make you file an expedited educator application to teach. Extra teacher certification steps and a school counselor renewal training do not apply while you are authorized under this law.
Military families can work on out-of-state licenses
Active service members and spouses who move to Maryland for orders can work here under a valid out‑of‑state license. You must apply to the Maryland board, show the orders (and marriage certificate for spouses), and sign a notarized affidavit. Boards can verify your license and run a criminal history check. If review takes over 30 days, a temporary license may be issued. Agencies cannot force you to file for expedited licensure first if you are already authorized under this law.
Military families: broad job license exemptions
Maryland adds a standard exception so people authorized under the military licensure law do not need a separate Maryland license for the same work. This covers many fields, like EMS providers, well drillers, on‑site wastewater pros, stationary engineers at resource recovery facilities, and environmental roles (like scrap tire and incinerator operators). It also covers contest officials and wrestlers, vehicle inspectors (no exam required), and certain construction and resource jobs (such as surface mining and marine contracting). Some sectors, like energy sales that begin licensing on July 1, 2025, also honor this exception. You still must follow Maryland practice rules and can face Maryland discipline.
New licenses for sellers and promoters
You must hold a promoter license to run an outdoor musical festival. Traders and exhibitors must have a trader’s license before selling. Junk dealers and scrap metal processors, and their non‑salaried agents, must be licensed; some nonresident buyers and transporters are excepted. Transient vendors must get a transient vendor license unless a listed exemption applies. The law defines who counts as a promoter and excludes State and local governments.
New exception to sales‑finance licensing
Companies acting as sales finance businesses must be licensed by the Commissioner. An exception or different treatment applies when the State’s new military mobility licensing rule covers the situation. In some cases, this changes who must hold a license.
Stricter explosives rules and powder limits
Maryland requires a license to sell or store most explosives. The law lets you keep up to 5 pounds of smokeless powder and 5 pounds of black powder for personal reloading, in the original containers. You cannot store explosives for firearms in apartments, schools, hotels, or other public buildings without a temporary permit from the State Fire Marshal. The military, certain officials, and those authorized under the military licensure law are exempt while on duty.
Faster mortgage licenses for military families
Active service members, eligible veterans, and eligible spouses get expedited mortgage loan originator licensing. The one‑year application limit is removed. The Commissioner can waive some state rules as long as federal minimum standards are met. If you hold a valid license in another state, you can get quicker approval.
Stronger foreclosure checks for service members
When someone files to foreclose on a home, the filing must include an affidavit that meets the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This helps confirm whether a borrower gets SCRA protections. All normal documents and the $450 filing fee still apply.
More supervisors allowed in health jobs
Supervision rules now say a supervisor can be anyone authorized to practice in Maryland, not only someone holding a Maryland license. This applies across medicine and allied health, like physical therapy, respiratory care, perfusion, and radiologic technology. It also broadens who may supervise psychology and counseling trainees. This makes it easier to find eligible supervisors and keep training moving.
More veterans qualify for expedited health licenses
For health profession applications, the one‑year time limit is removed from who counts as an eligible veteran or eligible spouse. More veterans and spouses can now use the expedited process when applying for Maryland health licenses.
New $1 fee on new tires
Starting January 1, 2026, you pay a $1 recycling fee per new tire. The State may adjust it for inflation every two fiscal years, but it cannot go over $2 per tire. Dealers must list the fee on invoices and send it to the Comptroller. Electronic filing is required for returns after December 31, 2026.
Behavior analysts must be licensed
To practice behavior analysis in Maryland, you must hold a Board license. An exception may apply if you are authorized under the military licensure law. Most practitioners need to apply and meet Board rules.
Massage therapists must be licensed by 2026
To practice massage in Maryland, you must be authorized by the Board. By October 31, 2026, you need a license or a Board registration to work in a non‑health care setting. Starting November 1, 2026, you must hold a license to practice anywhere in the State.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Benjamin Brooks
Democratic • Senate
Mary Beth Carozza
Republican • Senate
Arthur Ellis
Democratic • Senate
Jason C. Gallion
Republican • Senate
Dawn Gile
Democratic • Senate
William C. Smith
Democratic • Senate
Ron Watson
Democratic • Senate
Chris West
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 3/19/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 45 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 694
5/26/2026Passed Enrolled
4/13/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (46-0)
4/13/2026SenateSenate Concurs House Amendments
4/13/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (135-0)
4/13/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
4/9/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {323125/1 Adopted
4/9/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
4/9/2026HouseHearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m. (Government, Labor, and Elections)
3/26/2026HouseReferred Government, Labor, and Elections Health
3/20/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (45-0)
3/19/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/18/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {353729/1 Adopted
3/18/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/18/2026SenateHearing 2/12 at 2:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
2/3/2026SenateFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Finance
1/15/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enacted
5/26/2026
Enrolled
4/13/2026
Third Reading
3/18/2026
First Reading
1/15/2026
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