ANNAPOLIS, Md. — From school cellphone restrictions and utility relief to vaccine authority, transportation funding and higher fuel tax rates, July 1 brought a new round of changes for Maryland residents, families, schools, businesses and local governments.
The changes include new laws passed during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, as well as the annual motor fuel tax adjustment required under existing state law.
School Cellphone Restrictions
One of the most visible changes for families is the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires each local school board to develop and implement a policy by the 2027-2028 school year prohibiting student use of electronic communication devices during the academic school day.
The school day includes instructional time, lunch, recess, passing periods and other structured or unstructured time between the first and last bell. The law includes exceptions for certain health needs, disability accommodations, translation tools and approved caregiving responsibilities.
Vaccine Authority
Another law now in effect gives Maryland’s health secretary new authority to issue state-level recommendations for immunizations, screenings and preventive services.
The measure, known as The Vax Act, allows the secretary to issue recommendations based on evidence-based scientific and clinical guidance. The law also requires a public notice and comment process before certain preventive service recommendations are adopted.
Utility Relief And Solar Programs
Several utility-related measures also took effect July 1 under the Utility RELIEF Act, formally known as the Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families Act.
Parts of the law create programs aimed at lowering costs, including a no-interest loan program for renewable energy projects and energy-efficiency upgrades at nonprofit organizations. The law also includes support tied to residential solar energy systems.
Local Government Revenue
A new Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Structures will study how counties and municipalities raise money for services.
The issue comes as local governments face rising costs tied to schools, public safety, roads, emergency services and other local needs. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations by Dec. 1, 2026.
Kratom And Tianeptine Sales
Maryland is also tightening rules around certain unauthorized consumable products, including kratom, tianeptine and phenibut.
Under the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission unauthorized consumable products law, retailers are prohibited from distributing, selling, exposing for sale or advertising unauthorized consumable products. Violations can carry criminal and civil penalties.
Early Childhood Education
Several early childhood education measures also took effect. The Child Care Scholarship Program law includes changes tied to enrollment freezes, waitlists, eligibility and priority access.
A related Child Care Scholarship Program application and copay law addresses the application process and limits certain copays for participating families.
Transportation Funding
Transportation funding is also part of the July 1 changes. A new Maryland Transportation Authority revenue bond limit law increases the authority’s debt limit from $4 billion to $5 billion.
The authority oversees toll roads, bridges and tunnels, and officials told lawmakers the increase was needed to help fund capital projects, including work tied to the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Maryland Gas Tax Increase
Maryland drivers are also paying more at the pump under an existing state law that automatically adjusts the motor fuel tax each year.
Beginning July 1, the state gasoline tax increased from 46 cents to 46.6 cents per gallon, while the diesel tax rose from 46.75 cents to 47.45 cents per gallon, according to the Maryland Comptroller’s Office motor fuel tax guidance. The Comptroller’s Office is required to announce updated motor fuel tax rates by June 1 for implementation on July 1.
The adjustment is calculated under a statutory formula tied to the Consumer Price Index. Revenue from the tax helps support Maryland transportation projects, including road and bridge work.
Other New Maryland Laws
Other laws taking effect July 1 address alcohol sales in certain jurisdictions, deer hunting rules in Baltimore City, hospital insurance reporting and collective bargaining rights for some nontenured faculty at Maryland higher education institutions.
While some laws will be felt immediately, others create task forces, deadlines or programs that will shape state and local policy over the coming months. Maryland residents should watch for updates from state agencies, county governments and local school boards as the new laws move from approval to implementation.
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One would wonder how new fraud schemes are being generated by these ‘New Laws’?
Gov TAX MOORE at it again. Started his term with a 5.5 billion $ surplus but now we are 2 billion $ in debt and getting deeper in it