MarylandSB 02752025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modernization of Military Laws Act

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsElectionsHuman RelationsBi-County AgenciesArmed Forces -see also- Military Department; VeteransCemeteriesCivil Rights and Social EquityDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsDiscriminationFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteGovernorGroup Homes -see also- Foster Care; JuvFacil; SubsAbTrtHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLegislative Services, Department ofMilitary FamiliesPolitical CandidatesPublic Benefits -see also- FoodStmps; Housing; MedAsstRecruitment and HiringReportsService AnimalsSpousesState EmployeesVeterans and Military Families, Department ofVeteransWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More reserve families qualify for cemetery burial

Beginning October 1, 2025, qualified reserve members and their eligible spouses and dependents gain access to Maryland State veterans’ cemeteries. The reserve member must have completed the service contract, served other than dishonorably, and not qualify for national veterans’ cemetery burial. The member must have been a Maryland resident when entering the reserves, at death, or for two years. The Department can waive the two-year requirement for a compelling reason. Spouses and dependents must meet the law’s relationship requirements.

Updated veteran eligibility and military protections

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland uses the federal veterans-law definition of “veteran” for state veterans’ benefits, rights, and privileges. The provision does not identify specific benefit amounts or who gains or loses eligibility from that change. The law also broadens military-status protections in the affected state laws to cover uniformed-services reserve members. Those protections also cover uniformed-services members and dependents defined by federal law.

Broader admission to Maryland veterans’ homes

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland removes the express honorable-discharge requirement for admission to its veterans’ homes. Veterans must still meet Maryland residency requirements set by the Secretary’s regulations. Spouses of eligible veterans also remain eligible to seek admission.

Coordinated benefits help for military families

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans and Military Families must develop coordinated policies for major life changes. These policies guide veterans, service members, and their families, including help securing benefits earned through uniformed-services and reserve service. This duty does not guarantee a specific service or payment.

Easier military voting and absent candidate filing

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland election law recognizes qualifying military Common Access Cards for active-duty uniformed-services members and eligible reservists. Absent uniformed-services voters can register and request an absentee ballot together using the recognized card or Federal Post Card Application. Candidates unable to file in person because of illness, uniformed-services service, or temporary absence from Maryland have another filing option. Their certificate of candidacy must include an affidavit explaining what prevents in-person filing.

Job preferences for veterans and some spouses

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland must favor honorably discharged uniformed-services veterans when hiring staff for veterans’ homes. The Public Service Commission may also give veterans a preference in hiring and promotion, but is not required to. That optional preference also covers spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities and surviving spouses of deceased veterans. Neither preference guarantees a job, promotion, or pay level.

Burial fee applies to reserve families

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland collects a burial fee for qualified reserve members and their eligible spouses or dependents. The fee applies to burial in a State veterans’ cemetery and is due at burial. It equals the National Cemetery Administration’s annual plot allowance; the law does not state a dollar amount.

Updated command rules for Maryland’s militia

Beginning October 1, 2025, the Governor remains commander-in-chief of Maryland’s land and naval militia. The exception covers any part of the militia in active service of the uniformed services. This updates command authority without establishing a household benefit or charge.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jack Bailey
Republican • Senate
Jason C. Gallion
Republican • Senate
J.B. Jennings
Republican • Senate
Johnny Mautz
Republican • Senate
Johnny Ray Salling
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2025