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MarylandSB 07292026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Real Property - Access to Counsel in Evictions Program - Expansion

Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Real PropertyAbandoned PropertyAppeals -see also- Judicial ReviewAppraisalsArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesAttorneysAttorneys' FeesBonds -see also- County & Baltimore City Bonds; State BondsCertificationsCircuit CourtsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsClassifications and DesignationsCommittees and CommissionsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.ComplaintsConsumer ProtectionContracts -see also- ProcurementCourt OrdersCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.DamagesDisabilitiesDisclosureDiscriminationDistrict CourtsDomestic Animals -see also- Birds; DogsElectronic GovernmentEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEscrow AccountsEthicsEvictionFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.HearingsInternet -see also- Internet AccessKinship -see also- Parents and GuardiansLeases and RentLegal AidMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentMobile and Manufactured HomesNoticesNuisances -see also- Noise; WeedsOpen GovernmentPersonal PropertyPostal ServicePrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexProperty DamageReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReligion -see also- Places of WorshipResidential Property -see also- Apartments; CondominiumsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySewageStandards and Best PracticesTelephonesTimeTrialsUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWaiversWarrantsWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Wells -see also- Hydraulic Fracturing; WaterWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Free lawyers for low-income renters

The law provides a free lawyer for covered individuals in eviction, tenancy termination, housing subsidy termination, and mobile‑home repossession cases. You qualify if your household income is at or below 50% of the statewide median for your household size; mobile‑home park residents are included. Help starts as soon as possible after a landlord’s termination notice, after a case is filed, or when legal aid starts a constructive‑eviction case. If possible, your lawyer begins by your first court date. The right also covers the first appeal when legal aid finds legal grounds. These protections begin October 1, 2026.

Stronger notices and renter outreach

When you are served in an eviction or repossession case, the sheriff or constable also gives you a pamphlet explaining your rights and how to get a lawyer. The state funds community groups to teach renters across Maryland about these rights and services. By December 1, 2026, the courts post a standard mobile‑home repossession notice form that must list the violation, rental‑assistance info for nonpayment, the owner’s contact, any 10‑day cure period, and legal‑aid contacts. These steps take effect October 1, 2026.

Annual report on eviction counsel

Each year by August 31, the Maryland Legal Services Corporation reports how many people got lawyers, by case type, including mobile‑home repossession categories. The report also shows attorney payments, where cases happened, outcomes, funding to legal groups, and how many people had more than one case. Reporting starts with the fiscal year after October 1, 2026.

Protections begin October 1, 2026

The law applies only to events on or after October 1, 2026. It does not change repossession cases started before that date or rental agreements signed before then. This sets a clear start date for all new duties and protections.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 35

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 35 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 754

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (101-35)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/9/2026House

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  6. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/9/2026House

  7. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  8. Referred Judiciary

    3/21/2026House

  9. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments {883421/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026Senate

  14. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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