Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore today signed more than 200 bills into law during the second of four post-session bill signing ceremonies, including the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act—a cornerstone of the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to protecting Marylanders. The legislation signed today protects Marylanders from data-driven price hikes in grocery stores, strengthens oversight for Maryland’s foster care system, and safeguards voting rights protections.
“At a time when our people are being squeezed by the cost of everything, especially groceries, Maryland is not just pushing back, but pushing forward,” said Gov. Moore. “Many of the bills I’m signing today are about protecting our people, and each was made possible because of the courage of Marylanders who showed up, advocated, and refused to let politics drown out the work of delivering results for our state.”
Included among the bills Governor Moore signed today are:
The Protection From Predatory Pricing Act (HB 895) makes Maryland the first state in the country to ban price manipulation practices driven by the ability to instantly spike prices based on surveillance data. The legislation prohibits grocers and third-party delivery services from using dynamic pricing or an individual’s personal data to set higher prices, ensuring consumers pay a transparent, consistent price at the register.
Voting Rights Act of 2026 – Counties and Municipal Corporations (SB 255) removes barriers to the ballot box by prohibiting any method of electing a county or municipal governing body that creates polarized voting or dilutes the votes of a protected class. A priority of the Legislative Black Caucus and Legal Defense Fund, the legislation ensures every voice is heard and every vote is counted by authorizing legal action for injunctive relief and damages against methods that impair voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice.
Kanaiyah’s Law (HB 980) codifies a Guardianship Assistance Program to provide financial assistance for guardianship families and require annual background checks for all adults in households that receive Guardianship Assistance, and creates a State Foster Youth Ombudsman within the Department of Human Services. The legislation is named in honor of 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward, who tragically passed away while in state care, and reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring every child in Maryland is safe and supported.
Adult Education – High School Diploma Pathways – MDiplomaWorks Pathway (HB 297/SB 70) expands economic opportunity for the 500,000 Maryland adults who lack a high school diploma by establishing a new diploma pathway that recognizes and certifies demonstrated academic and career competencies, including workforce experience.
Commercial Law – Earned Wage Access – Revisions (SB 94) protects consumers from predatory lending practices through additional regulations for earned wage providers. These provisions restrict providers from requesting or accepting gratuity from borrowers to ensure Marylanders using these services can access the wages they have earned. Maryland is the first state in the nation to ban tips on these loans.
The Charles J. Otto Agricultural Education Promise Act (HB 972) establishes the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund to provide grants that advance agricultural fairs and education statewide. The bill was introduced and enacted to honor the late Delegate Charles Otto, a tireless champion for Maryland’s farming communities, rural populations, and the Eastern Shore during his 15 years in the Maryland State Legislature.
The Jack Cover Vernal Pools Act of 2026 (SB 523) requires the Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with the Department of the Environment, to identify and maintain a list of vernal pools across the state. Named in honor of the late Jack Cover, a prominent Maryland conservationist and former general curator at the National Aquarium, the legislation ensures the protection of seasonal wetlands that provide critical habitat for hundreds of species and support the broader health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
To view the complete list of bills signed into law today, visit: governor.maryland.gov/news/Pages/bill-signings.aspx.
