MARYLAND — Marylanders will kick off 2026 under a broad slate of new laws, reshaping everything from property tax sales and workforce protections to prescription drugs and health insurance coverage.

Most of the measures were passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, during the 2025 legislative session. While some changes take effect immediately on New Year’s Day, others will roll out gradually as insurance plans renew, counties update procedures and state agencies implement new requirements.

Here’s a look at what’s new for 2026.

Protecting homeowners from property tax sales

One of the most significant changes affects how counties handle tax sales, a process that can result in properties being sold to investors due to unpaid property taxes.

House Bill 59, sponsored by former Maryland Ways and Means Committee Chair Vanessa Atterbeary, states that counties must withhold certain owner-occupied homes — including properties occupied by heirs of deceased owners — from tax sales. The measure is intended to protect residents who live in family homes but may not yet hold a formal deed, reducing the risk of displacement and the loss of generational wealth.

Counties are required to establish a registry or work with the state’s tax sale officials to identify properties that should be exempt. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation will assist counties in creating and maintaining those registries.

Standardizing labor practices

Several laws taking effect Jan. 1 aim to standardize labor practices and improve transparency for Maryland workers and consumers.

Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft must provide Maryland drivers with weekly summaries of fares and earnings, as stated in House Bill 861, which was sponsored by Montgomery County Del. Vaughn Stewart, a Democrat. The companies are also required to submit certain anonymous operator data to the Public Service Commission each year, though those reports will remain confidential.

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