Maryland Prepares for New Laws in 2025

As Maryland residents ring in the New Year, a series of new laws will come into effect starting January 1, 2025, addressing everything from healthcare and elections to road safety, housing, and even pet insurance. Below is an in-depth breakdown of each law and its implications for Marylanders.

Road Work Zones and Construction

Chapter 17 (HB 513): The Maryland Road Worker Protection Act of 2024

This law significantly enhances safety measures in construction zones by refining the use of automated speed cameras. These systems, used to monitor and enforce speed limits in work zones, can now operate without the requirement of an on-site operator. This means drivers caught speeding by these automated systems will still receive penalties even if no human operator is present to oversee the system.

Additionally, the law revises how fines collected from these violations are distributed. While exact allocations are yet to be detailed, the emphasis is on funding projects that improve road safety and support worker protection initiatives. The law also adjusts the maximum penalty for speeding violations, signaling a stricter approach to enforcement in work zones.

Health Insurance and Care

Dental Coverage Adjustments

Chapters 115 (HB 23) & 116 (SB 228)
Starting in 2025, health insurance plans are no longer required to provide dental coverage that duplicates the benefits offered by standalone dental plans. This change aims to simplify dental insurance offerings, allowing consumers to choose more tailored dental plans without the redundancy of overlapping coverage.

Prosthetic Coverage Mandate

Chapters 822 (HB 865) & 823 (SB 614): “So Every Body Can Move Act”
Health insurance providers must now include coverage for prosthetic limbs and other external prostheses. This mandate ensures that individuals requiring such devices can access them without prohibitive costs. The change reflects an effort to improve the quality of life for those with mobility challenges by making prosthetics more affordable and accessible.

Revised Utilization Review Requirements

Chapters 847 (HB 932) & 848 (SB 791)
Utilization reviews, which are processes where insurance companies assess the necessity of medical treatments, will now operate under stricter regulations. These new rules are designed to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care. Patients and providers alike can expect clearer guidelines on what treatments are covered and faster resolutions for claims.

Expanded Breast and Lung Cancer Coverage

Chapter 868 (HB 1259)
The scope of “supplemental breast examination” has been broadened to include image-guided breast biopsies, ensuring that these procedures are covered by insurance. Similarly, lung cancer screening coverage now explicitly extends to follow-up diagnostic imaging, providing a more comprehensive safety net for patients undergoing cancer evaluations.

Opioid Overdose Treatment Protocols

Chapters 885 (HB 1155) & 886 (SB 1071)
Hospitals in Maryland will now be required to implement specific protocols for treating patients who experience opioid overdoses or related medical emergencies. In addition to immediate care, hospitals must refer patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder to community providers and support services, creating a more robust continuum of care for individuals struggling with addiction.

Hearing Aid Coverage

Chapters 951 (HB 1339) & 952 (SB 778)
Health insurance providers must cover adult hearing aids up to $1,400 per device every 36 months. Patients who opt for devices costing more than this limit will be allowed to pay the difference without facing penalties from their insurers. This initiative addresses the high costs of hearing aids, making them more accessible to adults with hearing impairments.

Pet Insurance

Chapter 740 (HB 647)

Maryland’s new regulations for pet insurance policies include requirements for transparency and consumer protection. Providers must disclose detailed policy terms, including wellness program benefits and exclusions. The Maryland Insurance Administration will also develop and distribute informational materials to veterinarians and pet owners, ensuring residents are well-informed about their options. This law seeks to establish standardized practices within the growing pet insurance industry.

Election Laws

Governor’s Appointment Flexibility

Chapter 40 (SB 1007)
The Governor of Maryland will now have greater flexibility to appoint members to the State Board of Elections and the Accountability and Implementation Board during Senate recesses. This change is intended to streamline the appointment process during periods when the Senate is not in session.

Felony Reporting for Voter Roll Accuracy

Chapter 430 (SB 271)
Administrative clerks from Maryland’s Circuit Courts and District Courts must report the names and addresses of individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to imprisonment. These updates will ensure voter rolls remain accurate by removing ineligible individuals.

Recruitment of Election Judges

Chapter 504 (HB 700)
To address the shortage of election judges, the State Board of Elections will launch a statewide recruitment campaign. Local election boards can supplement these efforts. Additionally, county employees serving as election judges during scheduled work hours will receive both administrative leave and compensation, encouraging greater participation.

Land Use and Housing

Chapter 122 (HB 538): Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024

This law aims to increase affordable housing options by:

1. Prohibiting local governments from banning manufactured or modular homes in single-family residential zones under certain conditions.

2. Allowing for increased housing density in projects that meet affordability criteria.

3. Establishing a Historic Property Revitalization Director role within the Department of Housing and Community Development to oversee initiatives related to preserving and revitalizing historic properties.

Public Utilities

Chapter 595 (SB 783)

Solar panel installation contracts must now include wildlife barriers to prevent animals from accessing and damaging rooftop panels. Furthermore, counties and municipalities must adopt software by August 1, 2025, to streamline the permitting process for residential solar energy systems, energy storage systems, and main electric panel upgrades.

Vehicle Laws

Chapters 73 (HB 229) & 74 (SB 254)

Maryland car insurance providers must participate in the Motor Vehicle Administration’s online verification program. This system will allow law enforcement and administrative staff to verify the validity of vehicle insurance policies quickly and efficiently.

Business and Professions

Chapter 942 (SB 729)

Security companies operating in healthcare facilities must now report use-of-force incidents weekly to the state police. This law also ensures that these reports exclude information protected by state or federal privacy laws.

Baltimore City Governance

Chapters 947 (HB 732) & 948 (SB 894)

Baltimore City will regain greater control over its police department. These laws repeal previous restrictions preventing city ordinances from interfering with the powers of the Police Commissioner, granting more authority to local governance.

Cosmetic Products

Chapter 490 (HB 643)

Maryland has aligned its cosmetic product regulations with European Union standards by banning the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of products containing certain harmful ingredients.

What’s Next?

As these laws take effect, Maryland residents will need to navigate a variety of new regulations impacting multiple aspects of daily life. While some measures aim to address pressing issues such as healthcare access and road safety, others may introduce complexities or raise concerns among affected groups. Radio Free Hub City readers are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with how these changes are implemented and to voice their opinions to ensure these laws work in their best interests. Additional information about these new laws and more can be found in the Maryland General Assembly website.