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MarylandSB 04732026 Regular SessionSenate

Public Utilities - For-Hire Drivers and Transportation Network Operators - Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training and Liability

Sponsored By: Shelly Hettleman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationTransportation - GenerallyPublic SafetyAnnotated Code of MarylandApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.EthicsEvidenceFor-Hire Driving -see also- TaxicabsHuman TraffickingJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLiabilityLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltPublic Service CommissionReportsTaxicabsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Legal protection for drivers reporting trafficking

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered Maryland taxi and for-hire drivers receive protection when reporting or responding to suspected human trafficking. The protection also covers app-based driver license applicants and temporary or permanent license holders. They cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for a good-faith report or response. The protection applies only when they act in good faith.

App-based drivers face trafficking training deadline

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland app-based driver applicants and temporary or permanent license holders must complete qualifying trafficking-awareness training. Companies must enforce completion within 30 days after the driver's first prearranged ride to allow continued service through their apps. Training covers recognizing victims, responding to them, and reporting suspected trafficking to authorities. Companies may use the specified federal course, another nationally recognized program, or digital training developed with a nationally recognized expert organization. A transition exception applies to drivers who applied by September 30, 2026, and completed qualifying training from June 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026.

Taxi and for-hire drivers face training requirements

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland for-hire drivers must show completed trafficking-awareness training for initial, temporary, or renewed licenses. Local governments licensing drivers of locally based taxis must also require proof of training. Training must cover recognizing victims, responding to them, and reporting suspected trafficking to authorities. Qualifying courses include the U.S. Department of Transportation's Leaders Against Human Trafficking/Combating Human Trafficking in the Transportation Sector Awareness Training or another nationally recognized program. Licensing also requires criminal and driving history checks. National criminal checks must include multi-state or multi-jurisdiction searches, the Sex Offender Registry, and the National Sex Offender Public Website. For-hire licenses last 1 to 3 years, as set by the Maryland Public Service Commission, which may renew them by endorsement. County-licensed taxi drivers do not also need a commission license.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 4

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 128 • No: 4 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 278

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (128-4)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/3/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  7. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/13/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {263725/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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