Starting July 1, 2024, Maryland will see several new laws take effect, bringing changes that impact various aspects of daily life, from vaping regulations to vehicle fees.
Indoor Vaping Ban
Vaping will no longer be allowed in indoor public spaces such as workplaces and public transportation. This change updates the Maryland Clean Indoor Act of 2007 to address current public health concerns.
Alcohol Delivery
A new permit system for alcohol delivery is being introduced. Businesses that sell alcohol can now apply for delivery licenses for $1,000. This move aims to regulate and standardize the delivery of alcoholic beverages.
Ticket Sales and Resales
The state is cracking down on speculative ticketing with new legislation that holds resale platforms accountable for unauthorized tickets. The law ensures transparent pricing and clarifies that tickets are considered licenses, not property.
Support for Military Families
The Families Serve Act gives preferential hiring to spouses of active-duty service members, both in the private sector and state government. Additionally, the Time to Serve Act extends military and disaster service leave for state employees in the National Guard or reserves from 15 to 30 days.
Ending Child Poverty
The ENOUGH Act represents a bold effort to combat child poverty. It provides resources and funding to communities with high levels of child poverty, aiming to reduce economic disparities in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Ending Legacy College Admissions
This new law prohibits state-funded colleges and universities from using legacy or donor preferences in admissions. The goal is to promote a fairer and more equitable college admissions process.
Grants for Technology Startups
The Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program will support tech startups founded by postsecondary students in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area. This program honors Pava LaPere, a tech entrepreneur who was tragically killed last year.
Providing Contraception to College Students
Community colleges are now required to offer over-the-counter contraception to students by August 1, 2025. This initiative aims to improve access to reproductive health services on campus.
New Vehicle Fees
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is introducing new fees and increasing registration rates, with potential hikes of up to 60-70 percent. Electric vehicle owners will also face a $250 biannual surcharge.
These new laws represent significant changes across various sectors, addressing public health, economic inequality, and educational equity in Maryland.