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Yes: 436 • No: 375
MarylandSB 02822026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Operating BudgetAppropriationsBudgets -see also- Capital Budgets
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
98 provisions identified: 58 benefits, 18 costs, 22 mixed.
More funding for disability services
The law adds major state and federal funds for community services for people with developmental disabilities. Examples include about $189.8 million and $190.0 million in state funds, with large matching federal funds. This expands service capacity and covers past shortfalls to keep supports stable.
More Medicaid funding and enrollment help
The law puts large new money into Medicaid and behavioral health. Examples include $106,416,159 and $119,189,995 in state funds and $508,923,040 in federal funds. It also pays Service Year 2025 claims. The law adds $1,105,000 in state funds and $4,207,500 in federal funds to update Medicaid eligibility systems so applications are processed under current federal rules.
More support for developmental disabilities
The law restores $23,100,000 in state funds and $23,100,000 in federal funds to Developmental Disabilities Administration community services. It limits DDA cost‑cutting tools and bans caps on person‑centered plan budgets. It also provides $224,000 right away to keep peer outreach and supports that lost federal funding.
Heat pump help for lower-income homes
The state provides $72.65 million to help low‑ and moderate‑income households install or replace heat pumps. The money runs through the Residential Energy Equity Program at the Maryland Energy Administration. If you qualify, you can get help with a new or replacement heat pump.
Lawyers at first court appearance
The law sets aside $8.2 million for attorneys at initial appearances before District Court commissioners. The money must be used only for that purpose. Unused funds revert to the state.
More help paying energy bills
The law adds $24,000,000 in federal funds for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program in fiscal 2026. This money helps low‑income households pay utility bills and supports program operations.
More money for foster care
The law provides $30.2 million to pay foster care maintenance in fiscal 2026. That includes $15.8 million state, $758,000 special, and $13.7 million federal funds. The money can be used only for these payments. Unused funds revert to the state.
More legal help for renters
The law moves $19 million to the housing department to fund access to counsel in eviction cases. This includes $3.6 million in general funds and $15.4 million in special funds. More renters can get a lawyer when they face eviction.
More rental help and housing funds
The law adds $6 million for rental help for Community School families, with up to $3 million for Prince George’s County. It also adds $51.2 million for rental housing construction and rehab projects. Any unused rental‑help money returns to the state.
BOOST scholarships for low-income students
MSDE now offers BOOST scholarships to students who qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch to attend eligible nonpublic schools. Awards for the 2026–2027 school year must be made by December 31, 2026 and are capped at the lesser of statewide average per‑pupil spending or the school’s tuition. An extra $569,800 is set aside for additional awards to students with special needs. A seven‑member board oversees rankings and awards, and MSDE must report by January 15, 2027.
FY2027 raises for state executives
The law sets FY2027 salary schedules for Executive Pay Plan and DOT executive positions. It gives eligible positions the FY2027 cost‑of‑living raise and salary steps, like the Standard Pay Plan. Listed nonclassified per diem positions also get FY2027 COLA and steps. Pay can be adjusted during the year under law.
More child care help and capacity
The law gives $20,000,000 to cut the Child Care Scholarship waitlist. It adds $5,687,000 to the Maryland Child Care Credential Program to build provider skills. It provides $1,000,000 to upgrade the Child Care Administration Tracking System.
More pre‑K and nonpublic school aid
The law adds $10,000,000 from the Blueprint fund to expand pre‑K grants. It pays for textbooks and digital materials at eligible nonpublic schools at $65, $95, or $155 per student, based on free‑lunch levels. Schools must meet approval, tuition, and civil‑rights rules; materials stay state property. It also funds grants for school nurses, health services, and security at nonpublic schools that were in BOOST in fiscal 2026. Any leftover money for that grant can buy textbooks; unused funds are canceled.
More grants for tech and startups
The state adds $3 million for grants to regenerative‑medicine and advanced‑manufacturing companies for space, equipment, and infrastructure. It adds $5 million to the Maryland Innovation Initiative. It also reserves $4 million for a new Maryland Growth Initiative and $1.5 million for Maryland’s Future Fund, if those bills are enacted. Unused funds revert to the state or the named fund as provided.
More money for panel attorneys
District Operations gets $9,591,356 in general funds, with $8,530,154 set aside only for panel attorney fees. Any unused fee money cannot be moved and must return to the General Fund. This increases the pool to pay panel attorneys.
Energy and climate programs get funding
The budget sets aside $82 million that becomes available only if a new law expands uses of the state’s clean‑energy fund. It can also shift $3.232 million from federal support to the 911 Trust Fund for emergency management if the state expands that fund’s allowed uses. The law adds $400,000 for a resilience study tied to the clean‑energy fund, $1.2 million for MDE to carry out new permit review rules if enabling bills pass, and $3 million for the Maryland Clean Energy Center. It moves $270,000 to the Comptroller to study the costs of greenhouse gas emissions.
Justice system upgrades and pre‑trial options
The law provides $3,550,000 for the Pre‑Trial Home Detention program in FY2027. It funds major IT projects for the Public Defender, with amounts up to $18,370,000 and additional out‑year funding shown. It also gives $35,000,000 in special funds to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
One-time funds for key priorities
The Dedicated Purpose Account provides $44.1 million in one-time funds. It includes $30 million for legislative priorities, $4.6 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, $2.5 million for HR 1 work, $5 million to fix repeat audit findings, and $2 million to strengthen fiscal leadership and hiring.
More funding for statewide IT projects
The law adds $59,314,476 in special funds to the state’s IT Investment Fund for fiscal 2026. The state technology secretary can allocate the money among major IT projects. Any unspent funds stay in the IT Fund for fiscal 2027.
Contingent funding for university research
The budget provides $42 million for higher education research if a separate law expands the uses of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. If that law passes, the money can support any research field, not just energy.
Contingent clean energy and bill relief
The law sets up $38,000,000 to lower utility bills for households in the Limited Income Discount Program. It adds $2,000,000 for more residential and commercial energy storage grants. It provides $100,000,000 to help utilities pre‑pay EmPOWER Maryland residential program costs and $100,000,000 for reverse auction grants to add new renewable energy and storage. These funds take effect only if another law expands how the Strategic Energy Investment Fund can be used. Any unused money is canceled.
Clean energy project finance funded
The state provides $23.75 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund for a grant to the Maryland Clean Energy Center. The grant capitalizes the Climate Catalytic Capital Fund to help finance clean energy projects.
Possible cut to county aid grants
If a separate law funds the Disparity Grant at the FY2026 level, the state cuts $27.0 million from FY2027 Disparity Grants. This reduces aid to qualifying counties.
Health program funding cuts possible
Several health line items are cut if other laws pass. Medicaid provider reimbursements drop by $8.39 million in FY2027 if Cigarette Restitution Fund rules change, with a possible extra $1–$2 million cut. The Community Health Resources Commission could lose $20 million plus $1 million more if funding mandates are eased. A $1 million shift to a special fund for advance directives, and a cut to tobacco‑use reduction funding ($730,000 or $1.58 million), also depend on new laws. The state also cuts $350,000 from the Consumer Health Information Hub.
Cuts to college funding if laws pass
Several higher‑education budgets face cuts if other laws pass. Sellinger aid is reduced by $4.47 million. Community college formula funding is cut by $20.99 million and capped at 3% growth per school. Community college fringe benefits drop by $2.34 million, and UMD loses $150,000 if the Native Plants mandate ends. Also, any across‑the‑board Executive Branch cuts apply to public colleges too.
Better care and tracking for foster youth
The law holds funds until agencies improve care and reporting for kids in state care. DHS and MDH must confirm pediatric hospital overstay coordinators and give monthly data for July 2025 to October 2026 by December 1, 2026. DHS must report by November 1, 2026 on youth who stayed in hospitals, hotels, or other unlicensed settings, with counts and lengths of stay by age and county. DHS must also show, by November 1, 2026, caseloads and staffing needed to meet accepted child welfare standards. MDH and DHS must confirm by December 1, 2026 they filed a Medicaid plan change so clinical care in DHS/DJS residential settings can be reimbursed. If reports or confirmations are not sent, the restricted funds revert.
Medicare Advantage incentives and market report
The law holds HSCRC operating funds until it reports on steps to stabilize Medicare Advantage plans under the AHEAD model. HSCRC must confirm whether financial incentives for Medicare Advantage plans took effect on January 1, 2027. The report is due by January 15, 2027. If HSCRC does not submit the report or cannot confirm implementation, the funds are canceled.
Mixed changes to food benefits
The state adds $6.3 million in federal funds for SUN Bucks in fiscal 2026. It also cuts $59.3 million that had paid temporary state SNAP help during a federal shutdown, effective now. The state pays $28.0 million in penalties for high SNAP payment errors in 2023–2024.
Stronger reporting to improve Medicaid services
The law holds MDH funds until it reports on home‑ and community‑based services (CFC and Community Options) by August 1, 2026. It withholds money unless Medicaid offices fix all repeat audit findings by November 1, 2026 and auditors confirm it. It also withholds $500,000 and releases $125,000 after each quarterly letter proving monthly reimbursement data uploads through March 31, 2027 (letters due 7/31/2026, 10/31/2026, 1/31/2027, 4/30/2027). If reports or letters are not sent, the money reverts.
Tighter reporting for disability services
The law holds DDA admin funds until MDH delivers regular spending and performance reports, starting September 1, 2026, with set releases after required submissions. It also requires a DDA utilization trends report by September 15, 2026. DDA must file two cost‑containment updates by December 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027, with small releases after each. MDH must also propose a targeted case management rate update by October 1, 2026. If reports are not filed, withheld funds revert.
Corrections staffing funds and overtime plan
The law adds $15 million for correctional staff pay and benefits at MCI–Jessup, $1,632,130 to cover a Chesapeake Detention Facility shortfall, $955,343 for investigative staff, and $77,051 for IT staff. It also cuts $5,288,435 from the Chesapeake Detention Facility due to contract changes. DPSCS must file four hiring and attrition reports (due Oct 1, 2026; Jan 1, 2027; Apr 1, 2027; Jul 1, 2027); $200,000 is held until the second report. DPSCS must file an overtime‑reduction plan by November 1, 2026; $250,000 in overtime funds is held until that plan is submitted. A $100,000 hold is in place until a geriatric and medical parole report is filed by November 15, 2026. If reports are not submitted, held funds return to the General Fund.
Environmental funds tied to other laws
Some environment funds change only if other bills pass. Program Open Space drops by $332,797 if Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is added to the transfer tax formula, and by $71.932 million if a one‑year transfer tax swap with bonds is allowed for FY 2027. Separately, $7.953 million can only pay for State Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Fund projects. The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps shifts $1.5 million to the energy fund if SEIF uses are expanded; the General Fund cut does not happen if that law does not pass. The state also holds $250,000 until MDE delivers a septic rules standardization report by December 1, 2026, or the money goes back to the General Fund.
Energy funds shift if new law passes
If lawmakers expand the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, $100 million goes to the Office of People’s Counsel. At the same time, $1.5 million is cut from state grants to nonprofits, and $1.5 million in special‑fund grants becomes contingent on that new law.
Police and prosecutor funds with conditions
The state withholds $47.13 million in police aid until agencies attest they follow the victim‑notification protocol. It reserves $6 million for grants to encrypt law‑enforcement communications. Another $500,000 for Baltimore City prosecutors is held until a youth‑prosecution report is filed by October 1, 2026. Money not used for these purposes reverts to the state.
Tighter tracking of benefit payments
Agencies must file monthly reports starting August 15, 2026 on payments for Medicaid, Medicaid behavioral health, foster care, and nonpublic placements for students with disabilities. The reports show total funds, spending through two months prior, and year‑over‑year changes. The law states that fiscal 2026 general funds not disbursed within 12 months after year end should revert. It also requires an FY2028 Budget Book appendix that details employee and retiree health plan receipts, premiums, claims, and reserves by enrollee group.
More civil legal help for residents
The state gives $10 million to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation through the Attorney General. The money expands access to free or low‑cost civil legal help for low‑income people. Any unused money goes back to the General Fund.
More help in long‑term care
The law gives $2,000,000 to run the Long‑Term Care Ombudsman Office. The office helps residents and families resolve problems in nursing homes and other facilities. Any unused money returns to the General Fund.
Nursing homes get higher pay
The state funds a 1% increase in nursing facility rates for FY2027. It uses $8.08 million in state funds and $8.09 million in federal funds. This raises what nursing homes are paid to care for residents. Unused money returns to the state.
Replace stolen SNAP and cash aid
The law sets aside $300,000 to replace electronically stolen SNAP and cash assistance benefits. Local agencies can use this money to repay affected recipients. It does not change benefit rules.
Retiree health accounts keep funding
The law moves $3,000,000 from general funds and lets DPSCS replace it with special funds to keep retiree Health Reimbursement Accounts at Eastern Correctional Institution funded. The replacement money comes from the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program Fund.
Backfill for homeowner tax credits
The state provides $4,720,741 in general funds to cover shortfalls in property tax credit programs, including $1 million for a prior-year gap. It also adds $147,137 in special funds for two Homeowner Protection Program contract staff. This keeps homeowner tax credits and help services running in fiscal 2026.
More scholarships for college students
The law gives $1,000,000 to support the Maryland Completion Scholarship at UMGC. It adds $450,000 for the Next Generation Scholars program. Any unused funds revert to the General Fund.
Regional funds for local businesses
The state provides $8 million for the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Fund. It also gives a $25,000 grant to the Gaithersburg–Germantown Chamber of Commerce. Unused funds return to the state.
Child services funding moves to cabinet fund
Education, Health, Human Services, and Juvenile Services can move budgeted money into the Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund. Transfers must support approved local partnership agreements for children and families.
Energy planning and local projects funding
The law funds several energy efforts. It provides $500,000 to Easton Utilities for an energy storage project. It lets the Governor move up to $5 million and create up to 9 positions for a Strategic Energy Planning Office. DBM must tell the Public Service Commission the amount by June 15, 2026. It also sets aside $3 million to speed reviews of renewable and clean energy projects. A $100,000 University System study on climate, home insurance, and disasters is allowed only if HB 1219 or SB 739 becomes law.
Funding to stabilize prisons and jails
The law adds money to keep detention and corrections operations running. It funds prior‑year shortfalls at Patuxent and Baltimore Central Booking, facility renovations at Patuxent, and federal contract changes at the Chesapeake Detention Facility. It also covers staffing and IT support, including Cisco Smartnet and turnover adjustments. The state funds a $150,000 study of correctional industry programs, with an interim report due December 1, 2026 and a final report due December 1, 2027.
Funds for Boys’ Village cemetery project
The state provides $800,000 for the Boys’ Village of Maryland Cemetery project. Any unspent money returns to the General Fund.
Grants for planning and culture programs
Planning gets $2 million to build an integrated data dashboard. The Maryland Center for History and Culture receives a $1 million grant. The Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery receives a $10,000 grant. Unused funds return to the General Fund.
More budget transparency and planning reports
Budget books must show long‑term forecasts for the General Fund, Transportation Trust Fund, the Blueprint fund, and higher‑education accounts. They must also list major federal revenue sources and assumptions, with detailed federal data sent to the legislative staff. For fiscal 2027, agencies must charge federal funds first when allowed, with an exception for TANF carryforward at Human Services. All units must prepare the fiscal 2028 budget with detailed subobject lines, and DBM must share subprogram lists by September 1, 2026. The Comptroller will track workers’ compensation flows in a special ledger with monthly reports, and DBM must report where FTEs were added, cut, or moved in the FY28 budget books.
More legislature staff and contingency funds
The law adds $833,856 and five positions to the legislature’s operations office (2 HR and 3 IT). It also provides $1,000,000 to the Board of Public Works Contingent Fund to cover shortfalls or other needs during FY2027.
More staff for tax, utility, legislative offices
The Comptroller’s Taxpayer Services gets $1.417 million and 25 positions to improve customer service. The Public Service Commission gets $1.4 million and nine positions from the Public Utility Regulation Fund, with any unused money canceled. Legislative Services gets $856,686 and eight positions to support policy, assistants, and HR. Unused funds for the Comptroller and Legislative Services return to the General Fund.
Pilot bus from White Marsh to Tradepoint
The law provides $2 million to run a pilot bus route from White Marsh to Tradepoint Atlantic. MDOT must report results by June 1, 2027 on riders, on‑time performance, costs, and economic impact. Any unused money goes back to the General Fund.
Small boost for stadium debt payments
The law adds $210,810 for fiscal 2026 to cover updated debt service for the Maryland Stadium Facilities Fund. It aligns payments for the Supplemental Baseball Financing Fund and Camden Yards Facilities Fund.
Money to pay state tort claims
The law provides $13.34 million and moves it into the State Insurance Trust Fund. These funds, plus earlier unspent tort funds, are the only money the state will use to pay Maryland Tort Claims Act claims.
Keep elections and emergency response running
The state adds $4,772,235 to develop a new statewide voter system. It also replaces $3,232,157 in lost federal money to keep emergency management operations funded. The emergency funds are available immediately upon passage. These steps support election technology and emergency response that serve the whole public.
More money for transit and roads
The state adds $10 million for highway work zone safety, $6.48 million for airport snow removal, and $12.16 million to restore paratransit and commuter bus service in fiscal 2026. This keeps road work safer, runways clear in winter, and rides more reliable for seniors, people with disabilities, and commuters.
More oversight of tolls and projects
The law holds $500,000 until MDTA explains how it fixes toll billing disputes. It also holds $250,000 until MDTA reports on collecting old tolls, by state and age, and updates on reciprocity. MDOT may not spend over $7,201,128 on Special Fund operating grants unless it notifies lawmakers and waits 45 days, with narrow exceptions to match new federal money or add or increase a grantee. MDOT also cannot start any capital project over $500,000 that is not in the 2026–2031 plan unless it gives 45‑day notice.
Park land transfer must be confirmed
The law holds $500,000 until Natural Resources confirms the Port of Deposit State Historical Park land transfer is complete. Lawmakers get 45 days to review. If no letter is sent, the money goes back to the General Fund.
Flexible transfers to support Medicaid care
When a state agency places someone and Medicaid pays, matching general funds can move from that agency to Medicaid, and any Medicaid overpayment recoveries stay in Medicaid to pay providers. The law lets the state move Executive Direction funds to other agencies to fight the opioid crisis. It also lets certain Health Department programs use receipts shown in other agency budgets as special funds for their operating costs.
Funding for community health and safety
The law gives $5,000,000 for Community Access grants to improve local health services. It adds $1,000,000 for the Maryland Patient Safety Center to advance patient‑safety work. It also provides $1,500,000 to CCI Health Services for a family medicine residency to train more primary care doctors.
More grants for victim services
The law provides $1,000,000 to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault for community rape crisis centers. It also gives $1,000,000 to the Domestic Violence Centers Grant Program. Any unused funds return to the General Fund.
Same NORC grants for seniors
The law sets aside $1,300,000 for senior services in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs). It must go to the same groups and in the same amounts as in fiscal 2026. Money not used that way returns to the General Fund.
Education agencies must fix audit issues
Small amounts are withheld until MSDE and MHEC file required reports and fixes. MSDE must report by December 1, 2026 on hiring checks, pre‑K eligibility, and delayed reimbursements. MHEC must report on scholarship errors by July 15, 2026, audit backlogs by August 15, 2026, and Next Generation Scholars outcomes by December 10, 2026. If reports are not filed, the funds revert.
Grant for Boys and Girls Clubs
The law gives $1.5 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland for operating costs. Any unspent money returns to the General Fund.
Grant for Schaefer Center at University
The law gives $1.5 million to the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Any unspent money returns to the General Fund.
Grants for cyber and tech training
The state gives $1.3 million to BCR Cyber for a Cyber Workforce Accelerator and $100,000 to Consult Lemonade for tech training. Unused funds return to the General Fund.
More money to fix Baltimore school HVAC
The state adds $9.85 million for HVAC upgrades in Baltimore City public schools, if a related law expands SEIF uses to include HVAC. The Comptroller also gets $150,000 to study HVAC failures at four named Baltimore schools and report by December 1, 2026. Unused funds are canceled.
Local share of cannabis tax sent
The budget provides $2,133,097 immediately to distribute the local share of cannabis sales tax for fiscal 2026. Local governments receive these distributions when the budget takes effect.
Tax distributions: cannabis and amusements
The law provides $3,044,887 from the Cannabis Sales Tax Distributions Special Fund for FY2027. It also provides $1,600,000 from the Admissions and Amusement Tax Distributions Special Fund for FY2027. The money goes to the entities that normally receive those distributions.
Enterprise Zone tax credits backfilled
The state provides $4.17 million to fund a shortfall in the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit program for fiscal 2026. Payments continue to qualifying claimants with no change to eligibility rules.
Historic renovation tax credits backfilled
The state adds $7 million to cover a shortfall in the Historic Tax Credit program in fiscal 2026. This lets the state pay credits owed without changing the rules for who qualifies.
Less federal money for victim aid
Effective immediately, the law cuts $3 million in federal funds from the Victim Services Unit for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. This shrinks money for victim compensation and support services.
No extra pay for second office
If you hold two public offices covered by Article 35, you cannot get pay from this budget for the second office. You can still be reimbursed for expenses like travel or meetings.
Less money for parent job programs
Federal funds for noncustodial parent employment and training drop by $679,639. The agency can spread the cut across programs. This may mean fewer services for participants.
Police scholarships and loan aid cut
If a separate law passes, the police scholarship program falls from $2 million to $500,000. The police loan repayment program also drops from $2 million to $500,000. That means fewer awards for eligible officers in that year.
Possible cut to Promise scholarships
If a separate law is enacted, the Community College Promise Scholarship loses $1 million for the year. That leaves less money for awards to eligible students.
Fewer staff for legislative audits
The law cuts $833,856 in general funds and abolishes five positions at the Office of Legislative Audits for FY2027. This reduces that office’s staffing and budget.
MDE cut tied to penalty law
The budget reduces the Water and Science Administration’s general funds by $250,000 if a separate law expands MDE’s civil and administrative penalty powers. The cut only takes effect if that other law passes.
One-time DAGR tax case payment
The law provides $225,000 immediately to pay attorney’s fees from the Digital Advertising Gross Revenues tax case (U.S. Chamber of Commerce v. Brooke Lierman). This is a one‑time state expense and does not send money to households.
Police aid withheld for missing data
If a local jurisdiction has not provided or validated required crime data by November 1, 2026, the state must hold back 15% to 50% of its third police‑aid payment for fiscal 2027. The withholding continues until the data is submitted and verified. The state must report which jurisdictions lose funds and by how much.
Police and victim funds held for reports
The state holds $100,000 from State Police until the 2025 Uniform Crime Report is submitted. It also freezes $250,000 for the Police Training and Standards Commission and $250,000 for State Police until a joint report on certification attestations is filed by November 1, 2026. Another $100,000 is held from Victim Services until GOCPP submits the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Fiscal 2026 Annual Report by November 1, 2026. If reports are not sent, the held funds return to the General Fund after a 45‑day review.
Tighter budget rules and hiring limits
Agencies face stricter budget controls. Large budget amendments (≥ $100,000) need added review and a 45‑day clock before approval, with documentation for federal increases. The state limits new positions to 100 above July 1, 2026 levels, with narrow exceptions, and abolished position ID numbers cannot be reused for different jobs. $100,000 is frozen for each of several agencies until all fiscal 2026 amendments are filed by October 31, 2026. Nonprofits must show they are properly registered with the Secretary of State before getting grant or contract funds.
Cuts to DHS help call center
Funding for the DHS Constituent Services Call Center is cut by $6,827,422. That is $991,414 in general funds, $5,002,945 in special funds, and $833,063 in federal funds. DHS may spread these cuts across programs, which may reduce help for callers.
Employer fund money held for report
The state withholds $500,000 from the Uninsured Employers’ Fund until a report on staffing, finances, and governance is filed by October 1, 2026. Budget committees have 45 days to review. If no report is filed, the money reverts to the state.
Baltimore vacant housing funds on hold
The state holds $3 million for Neighborhood Revitalization administration until a report on reducing Baltimore City vacant properties is filed by September 1, 2026. Budget committees have 45 days to review. If the report is not sent, the money is canceled.
Business aid funds held for report
The state withholds $250,000 until the Department of Commerce submits a report on the Small, Minority, and Women–Owned Businesses Account by October 30, 2026. Budget committees have 45 days to review. If the report is not sent, the money returns to the General Fund.
Newborn screening and treatment plan report
The law holds $100,000 until MDH reports on newborn screening, including when metachromatic leukodystrophy will be added and how families connect to treatment and trials. The report is due by October 1, 2026. If not submitted, the funds return to the General Fund.
Stronger DHS oversight for benefit programs
The law holds $750,000 until DHS files a full fiscal 2026 reconciliation for Assistance Payments, Foster Care, TANF, and other items by September 30, 2026. It also holds funds unless Social Services fixes all repeat audit findings by November 1, 2026 and auditors confirm it. If DHS misses deadlines, the funds revert.
Child welfare data and youth support
The law holds $250,000 until DHS confirms monthly child welfare data are posted through December 31, 2026 and sends a letter by January 15, 2027. It also holds $250,000 until DHS files four reports on TCA, SNAP, TDAP, and PAA processing (due Aug 1, 2026; Nov 1, 2026; Feb 1, 2027; May 1, 2027). Another $400,000 is held across four agencies until the Governor’s Office for Children submits an out‑of‑home placements report by January 1, 2027. The law gives $500,000 to the Latin American Youth Center to support services for youth and families. If required reports are not submitted, the held funds go back to the General Fund.
Reports on permits and land value tax
The state holds $250,000 until Planning delivers a report by September 30, 2026 on business‑impacting permits, overlaps, timelines, and metrics. It also holds $150,000 until Planning reports by December 1, 2026 on the feasibility of a split‑rate or land value tax around transit stations. If the reports are not filed, the holds revert to the General Fund after a 45‑day review.
Stronger budget controls and fund moves
The Budget Secretary can move allotments, put money in reserve, and adjust job counts to manage the budget. Agencies can spend certain receipts and transfer funds among programs by approved budget amendments, and they can use higher‑than‑expected special or federal revenue with approval. Building operations costs can shift into the budgets of the agencies that occupy those buildings. Funds budgeted for the Comptroller’s computer center must pay for those services unless the Secretary approves another use. On July 1, 2026, all administrative‑hearing funds move to the Office of Administrative Hearings and can only pay for hearings.
Stronger oversight of cyber and AI
The law holds $500,000 until DBM submits a confidential cybersecurity governance report by December 15, 2026. It holds $250,000 until agencies with repeat audit findings document fixes and follow a timeline, with SCISO and OLA reports due February 1, 2027 and May 1, 2027. It holds $250,000 from DoIT and $250,000 from DGS until a joint statewide AI report is filed by November 1, 2026. It also holds $100,000 until DBM reports on use of federal State Fiscal Relief Funds by September 15, 2026. If reports are not filed, the funds return to the General Fund after review.
Behavioral health system transition reporting
The law holds $100,000 from Behavioral Health Administration operations until it reports on the move to a new Administrative Services Organization. The report is due by October 1, 2026 and must include provider and claim data as of June 30, 2026. If not submitted, the funds go back to the General Fund.
Faster placements for NCR and IST patients
The law holds $100,000 until MDH submits a plan and data to speed placements for people found not criminally responsible or incompetent to stand trial. The report is due by August 31, 2026. If MDH does not file it, the funds return to the General Fund.
Health licensing boards: reports and access
Health boards must report on fixing OPEGA recommendations for counselors and therapists by September 1, 2026, and on the impacts of past special fund transfers by December 1, 2026. The State Board of Pharmacy must file rules so blind or print‑disabled people get accessible prescription labels and send a confirmation letter within 30 days of filing, or funds are canceled. The Office of Population Health Improvement also shifts $2 million in funding from General Funds to special funds if a separate law allows a transfer from the State Board of Physicians.
Report on health facility inspection backlog
The law holds $100,000 from the Office of Health Care Quality until it reports on the nurse surveyor subcontract, inspection backlogs, timelines, and related fund balances. The report is due by November 1, 2026. If not submitted, the funds return to the General Fund.
Checks on big state‑university deals
By August 1, 2026, state agencies and public colleges must report interagency agreements over $100,000 from fiscal 2026. A combined report is due December 1, 2026. In fiscal 2027, new agreements over $500,000 need prior approval by the Budget Secretary.
Small business office funding shift
The law lowers the Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs General Fund by $2,720,117 only if another law lets the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund pay for agency operations. If that companion law does not pass, this reduction does not happen.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/30/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 38 • No: 6
Senate vote • 3/30/2026
Conference Committee Report Adopted
Yes: 38 • No: 6 • Other: 3
House vote • 3/30/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 102 • No: 13 • Other: 27
House vote • 3/26/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 114 • No: 22 • Other: 5
House vote • 3/26/2026
Floor Amendment {843724/1 (Delegate Chisholm) Rejected
Yes: 36 • No: 97 • Other: 8
House vote • 3/26/2026
Floor Amendment {633124/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected
Yes: 23 • No: 97 • Other: 21
House vote • 3/25/2026
Floor Amendment {853927/1 (Delegate Hartman) Rejected
Yes: 32 • No: 97 • Other: 12
Senate vote • 3/18/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 40 • No: 6
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
Floor Amendment {133129/1 (Senator Corderman) Rejected
Yes: 13 • No: 31 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 4
4/8/2026Passed Enrolled
3/30/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (102-13)
3/30/2026HouseConference Committee Report Adopted
3/30/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (38-6)
3/30/2026SenateConference Committee Report Adopted (38-6)
3/30/2026SenateHouse advisors: (Delegates Ghrist and Acevero)
3/30/2026SenateHouse Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Barnes, Kaiser, Smith, Watson and Shetty)
3/30/2026SenateHouse Refuses Recede
3/30/2026SenateHouse advisors: (Delegates Ghrist and Acevero)
3/27/2026HouseHouse Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Barnes, Kaiser, Smith, Watson and Shetty)
3/27/2026HouseHouse Refuses Recede
3/27/2026HouseSenate advisors: (Senators Bailey, Zucker and Augustine)
3/27/2026HouseSenate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Guzzone, McCray, King, Hettleman and Corderman)
3/27/2026HouseSenate Requests House Recede
3/27/2026HouseSenate Refuses Concur House Amendments
3/27/2026HouseSenate advisors: (Senators Bailey, Zucker and Augustine)
3/27/2026SenateSenate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Guzzone, McCray, King, Hettleman and Corderman)
3/27/2026SenateSenate Requests House Recede
3/27/2026SenateSenate Refuses Concur House Amendments
3/27/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (114-22)
3/26/2026HouseFloor Amendment {843724/1 (Delegate Chisholm) Rejected (36-97)
3/26/2026HouseFloor Amendment {633124/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected (23-97)
3/26/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/25/2026HouseFloor Amendment {853927/1 (Delegate Hartman) Rejected (32-97)
3/25/2026House
Bill Text
Enacted
4/8/2026
Enrolled
3/30/2026
First Reading
3/17/2026
Third Reading
3/17/2026
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