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Maryland Register
Issue Date: January 9, 2026
Volume 53 • Issue 1 • Pages 1 — 49
IN THIS ISSUE
Governor
Judiciary
Division of State Documents
Gewneral Assembly
Regulations
Errata
Special Documents
General Notices
|
Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, this issue contains all previously unpublished documents required to be published, and filed on or before December 22, 2025 5 p.m.
Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, I hereby certify that this issue contains all documents required to be codified as of December 22, 2025.
Gail S. Klakring
Administrator, Division of State Documents
Office of the Secretary of State
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Information About the Maryland
Register and COMAR
MARYLAND REGISTER
The Maryland Register is an official State publication published every
other week throughout the year. A cumulative index is published quarterly.
The Maryland Register is the temporary supplement to the Code of
Maryland Regulations. Any change to the text of regulations published in COMAR, whether by adoption, amendment,
repeal, or emergency action, must first be published in the Register.
The following information is also published regularly in the Register:
• Governor’s Executive Orders
• Attorney General’s Opinions in full text
• Open Meetings Compliance Board Opinions in full text
• State Ethics Commission Opinions in full text
• Court Rules
• District Court Administrative Memoranda
• Courts of Appeal Hearing Calendars
• Agency Hearing and Meeting Notices
• Synopses of Bills Introduced and Enacted
by the General Assembly
• Other documents considered to be in the public interest
CITATION TO THE
MARYLAND REGISTER
The Maryland Register is cited by volume, issue, page number, and date.
Example:
• 19:8 Md. R. 815—817 (April 17,
1992) refers to Volume 19, Issue 8, pages 815—817 of the Maryland Register
issued on April 17, 1992.
CODE OF MARYLAND
REGULATIONS (COMAR)
COMAR is the official compilation of all regulations issued by agencies
of the State of Maryland. The Maryland Register is COMAR’s temporary
supplement, printing all changes to regulations as soon as they occur. At least
once annually, the changes to regulations printed in the Maryland Register are
incorporated into COMAR by means of permanent supplements.
CITATION TO COMAR
REGULATIONS
COMAR regulations are cited by title number, subtitle number, chapter
number, and regulation number. Example: COMAR 10.08.01.03 refers to Title 10,
Subtitle 08, Chapter 01, Regulation 03.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE
Incorporation by reference is a legal device by which a document is made
part of COMAR simply by referring to it. While the text of an incorporated
document does not appear in COMAR, the provisions of the incorporated document
are as fully enforceable as any other COMAR regulation. Each regulation that
proposes to incorporate a document is identified in the Maryland Register by an
Editor’s Note. The Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended or
Repealed, found online, also identifies each regulation incorporating a
document. Documents incorporated by reference are available for inspection in
various depository libraries located throughout the State and at the Division
of State Documents. These depositories are listed in the first issue of the
Maryland Register published each year. For further information, call
410-974-2486.
HOW TO RESEARCH REGULATIONS
An
Administrative History at the end of every COMAR chapter gives information
about past changes to regulations. To determine if there have been any
subsequent changes, check the ‘‘Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted,
Amended, or Repealed’’ which is found online at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/PDF/CumulativeTable.pdf.
This table lists the regulations in numerical order, by their COMAR number,
followed by the citation to the Maryland Register in which the change occurred.
The Maryland Register serves as a temporary supplement to COMAR, and the two
publications must always be used together. A Research Guide for Maryland
Regulations is available. For further information, call 410-260-3876.
SUBSCRIPTION
INFORMATION
For subscription forms for the Maryland Register and COMAR, see the back
pages of the Maryland Register. Single issues of the Maryland Register are $15.00
per issue.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN
THE REGULATION-MAKING PROCESS
Maryland citizens and other interested
persons may participate in the process by which administrative regulations are
adopted, amended, or repealed, and may also initiate the process by which the
validity and applicability of regulations is determined. Listed below are some
of the ways in which citizens may participate (references are to State
Government Article (SG),
Annotated
Code of Maryland):
• By submitting data or views on proposed
regulations either orally or in writing, to the proposing agency (see
‘‘Opportunity for Public Comment’’ at the beginning of all regulations
appearing in the Proposed Action on Regulations section of the Maryland
Register). (See SG, §10-112)
• By petitioning an agency to adopt, amend,
or repeal regulations. The agency must respond to the petition. (See SG
§10-123)
• By petitioning an agency to issue a
declaratory ruling with respect to how any regulation, order, or statute
enforced by the agency applies. (SG, Title 10, Subtitle 3)
• By petitioning the circuit court for a
declaratory judgment
on
the validity of a regulation when it appears that the regulation interferes
with or impairs the legal rights or privileges of the petitioner. (SG, §10-125)
• By inspecting a certified copy of any
document filed with the Division of State Documents for publication in the
Maryland Register. (See SG, §7-213)
Maryland
Register (ISSN 0360-2834).
Postmaster: Send address changes and other mail to: Maryland Register, State
House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Tel. 410-260-3876. Published biweekly, with
cumulative indexes published quarterly, by the State of Maryland, Division of
State Documents, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The subscription rate
for the Maryland Register is $225 per year (first class mail). All
subscriptions post-paid to points in the U.S. periodicals postage paid at
Annapolis, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.
Wes Moore, Governor; Susan C. Lee, Secretary of State; Gail S. Klakring, Administrator; Tracey A. Johnstone, Editor, Maryland Register; Tarshia N. Neal, Subscription Manager; Tami Cathell, Help Desk, COMAR and
Maryland Register Online.
Front cover: State House,
Annapolis, MD, built 1772—79.
Illustrations by Carolyn Anderson, Dept. of General Services
Note: All
products purchased are for individual use only. Resale or other compensated
transfer of the information in printed or electronic form is a prohibited
commercial purpose (see State Government Article, §7-206.2, Annotated Code of
Maryland). By purchasing a product, the buyer agrees that the purchase is for
individual use only and will not sell or give the product to another individual
or entity.
Closing Dates for the Maryland Register
Schedule of Closing Dates and
Issue Dates for the
Maryland Register ......................................................................... 5
COMAR Research Aids
Table
of Pending Proposals ............................................................... 6
Index of COMAR Titles Affected in
This Issue
COMAR
Title Number and Name Page
01 Executive Department ......................................................... 20
03 Comptroller of the Treasury ................................................ 26
08 Department of Natural Resources ....................................... 27
09 Maryland Department of Labor ........................................... 25
10 Maryland Department of Health .................................... 20, 32
13A State Board of Education ..................................................... 36
13B Maryland Higher Education Commission ........................... 24
17 Department of Budget and Management ............................. 38
22 State Retirement and Pension System ................................. 42
24 Department of Commerce ................................................... 42
PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES
Individuals
with disabilities who desire assistance in using the publications and services
of the Division of State Documents are encouraged to call (410) 974-2486, or
(800) 633-9657, or FAX to (410) 974-2546, or through Maryland Relay.
The Division of State Documents
DEPOSITORIES
FOR DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 10
The Governor
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.27
Building
an Affordable and Reliable Energy Future . 11
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.28
Establishing All-Payer Total Cost of Care Growth and
Primary Care Investment Targets in Maryland 15
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.29
INDIVIDUALS
WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES [Developmentally Disabled Persons] 16
General Assembly
Chapters
. 18
The Judiciary
SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND
DISCIPLINARY
PROCEEDINGS...................................... 19
Final Action on Regulations
01 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
SECRETARY
OF STATE
Charitable Organizations: Substantive Regulations . 20
10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH
HUMAN
IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION AND ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
(AIDS)
Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program: Pharmacy Services 20
BOARD
OF NURSING
Practice of Nurse Anesthetist 20
BOARD
OF PHYSICIANS
Telehealth . 20
Licensure of Athletic Trainers . 21
Licensure of Radiation Therapists, Radiographers,
Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Radiologist Assistants 21
Licensing of Respiratory Care Practitioners . 21
Licensure of Perfusionists . 21
Licensure, Regulation, and Discipline of Naturopathic
Doctors 22
BOARD
OF LONG-TERM CARE ADMINISTRATORS
General
Regulations . 22
Licensing
of Nursing Home Administrators
. 22
Licensing
of Assisted Living Managers . 22
Continuing
Education Requirements . 22
Fees . 22
Code
of Ethics . 22
Sanctions
and Disciplinary Proceedings . 22
Compelling
Purpose Disclosure . 22
BOARD
OF DENTAL EXAMINERS
Private Dental Offices—Infection Control 23
13B MARYLAND HIGHER
EDUCATION COMMISSION
ACADEMIC
REGULATIONS
Requirements
for Authorization of Out-of-State Degree-Granting Institutions to Operate in
Maryland 24
FINANCIAL
AID
Cybersecurity
Public Service Scholarship Program .. 24
Withdrawal of Regulations
09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR
OFFICE OF CEMETERY OVERSIGHT
Crematories—Definitions . 25
Crematories—Permit
and Registration Process and
Fees . 25
Crematories—Inspections,
Complaints, and
Discipline . 25
Crematories—
Crematory Procedures . 25
Crematories—Code
of Ethics . 25
Proposed
Action on Regulations
03 COMPTROLLER OF THE
TREASURY
NEW
TIRE FEE AND TIRE RECYCLING FEE
General
Regulations . 26
08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
FISHERIES
SERVICE
Striped
Bass . 27
BOATING
Certificate
of Boat Number 29
09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR
DIVISION
OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY
International
Green Construction Code . 30
STATE
BOARD OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION CONTRACTORS
Compliance
with International Mechanical Code . 31
COMMISSION
OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME INSPECTORS
— REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS
Educational
Requirements . 31
10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH
MEDICAL
CARE PROGRAMS
Health
Homes . 32
OFFICE
OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
Medical
Examiner Cases . 33
Testing
Blood and Breath for Alcohol 33
13A STATE BOARD OF
EDUCATION
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Students
at Risk for Reading Difficulties . 36
SPECIFIC
SUBJECTS
Program
in Comprehensive Health Education . 37
17 DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET
AND MANAGEMENT
PERSONNEL
SERVICES AND BENEFITS
Leave . 38
22 STATE RETIREMENT AND
PENSION SYSTEM
MEMBERSHIP
Membership
in the Employees' System or the Teachers' System—General 42
24 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Enterprise
Zones . 42
Errata
COMAR
09.22 . 44
COMAR
09.34 . 44
Special Documents
DEPARTMENT OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0049 . 45
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0020 . 45
Water
Quality Certification 25-WQC-0021 & Federal Consistency Determination 46
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0022 & Federal Consistency Determination 46
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-00023 . 47
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0024 . 48
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0025 . 48
General Notices
MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
Public
Meeting . 49
THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY OFFICE OF MINORITY BUSINESS
ENTERPRISE
Announcement
of Calendar Year 2026 Limitation on the Personal Net Worth (PNW) of Socially
and Economically Disadvantage Individual as it relates to Certification of a
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) 49
COMAR
Online
The Code of Maryland
Regulations is available at www.dsd.state.md.us as a free service of the Office
of the Secretary of State, Division of State Documents. The full text of
regulations is available and searchable. Note, however, that the printed COMAR
continues to be the only official and enforceable version of COMAR.
The Maryland Register is
also available at www.dsd.state.md.us.
For additional
information, visit www.dsd.maryland.gov, Division
of State Documents, or call us at (410) 974-2486 or 1 (800) 633-9657.
Availability
of Monthly List of
Maryland Documents
The Maryland Department of
Legislative Services receives copies of all publications issued by State
officers and agencies. The Department prepares and distributes, for a fee, a
list of these publications under the title ‘‘Maryland Documents’’. This list is
published monthly, and contains bibliographic information concerning regular
and special reports, bulletins, serials, periodicals, catalogues, and a variety
of other State publications. ‘‘Maryland Documents’’ also includes local
publications.
Anyone wishing to receive
‘‘Maryland Documents’’ should write to: Legislative Sales, Maryland Department
of Legislative Services, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.
CLOSING DATES AND ISSUE DATES THROUGH
December 2026†
|
Issue
Date
|
Emergency
and Proposed
Regulations
5
p.m.*
|
Notices,
etc.
10:30
a.m.
|
Final
Regulations
10:30
a.m.
|
|
January 23
|
January 5
|
January 12
|
January 14
|
|
February 6**
|
January 16
|
January 26
|
January 28
|
|
February 20
|
February 2
|
February 9
|
February 11
|
|
March 6**
|
February 13
|
February 23
|
February 25
|
|
March 20
|
March 2
|
March 9
|
March 11
|
|
April 3
|
March 16
|
March 23
|
March 25
|
|
April 17
|
March 30
|
April 6
|
April 8
|
|
May 1
|
April 13
|
April 20
|
April 22
|
|
May 15
|
April 27
|
May 4
|
May 6
|
|
May 29
|
May 11
|
May 18
|
May 20
|
|
June 12**
|
May 22
|
June 1
|
June 3
|
|
June 26
|
June 8
|
June 15
|
June 17
|
|
July 10
|
June 22
|
June 29
|
July 1
|
|
July 24
|
July 6
|
July 13
|
July 15
|
|
August 7
|
July 20
|
July 27
|
July 29
|
|
August 21
|
August 3
|
August 10
|
August 12
|
|
September 4
|
August 17
|
August 24
|
August 26
|
|
September18**
|
August 31
|
September 4
|
September 9
|
|
October 2
|
September 14
|
September 21
|
September 23
|
|
October 16
|
September 28
|
October 5
|
October 7
|
|
October 30**
|
October 9
|
October 19
|
October 21
|
|
November 13
|
October 26
|
November 2
|
November 4
|
|
November30***
|
November 9
|
November 16
|
November 18
|
|
December 11
|
November 23
|
November 30
|
December 2
|
|
December28***
|
December 7
|
December 14
|
December 16
|
† Please note that this table is provided for
planning purposes and that the Division of State Documents (DSD) cannot
guarantee submissions will be published in an agency’s desired issue. Although
DSD strives to publish according to the schedule above, there may be times when
workload pressures prevent adherence to it.
* Also note that proposal deadlines are for
submissions to DSD for publication
in the Maryland Register and do not take into account the 15-day AELR review
period. The due date for documents containing 8 to 18 pages is 48 hours before
the date listed; the due date for documents exceeding 18 pages is 1 week before
the date listed.
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN TIMES NEW
ROMAN, 9-POINT, SINGLE-SPACED FORMAT. THE PAGE COUNT REFLECTS THIS FORMATTING.
** Note closing date changes due to holidays.
*** Note issue date changes due to holidays.
The regular closing date for Proposals and
Emergencies is Monday.
Cumulative Table
of COMAR Regulations
Adopted, Amended, or Repealed
This table, previously printed in the
Maryland Register lists the regulations, by COMAR title, that have been
adopted, amended, or repealed in the Maryland Register since the regulations
were originally published or last supplemented in the Code of Maryland
Regulations (COMAR). The table is no longer printed here but may be found on
the Division of State Documents website at www.dsd.state.md.us.
Table of Pending Proposals
The table below lists proposed changes to
COMAR regulations. The proposed changes are listed by their COMAR number,
followed by a citation to that issue of the Maryland Register in which the
proposal appeared. Errata and corrections pertaining to proposed regulations
are listed, followed by “(err)” or “(corr),” respectively. Regulations
referencing a document incorporated by reference are followed by “(ibr)”. None
of the proposals listed in this table have been adopted. A list of adopted
proposals appears in the Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted,
Amended, or Repealed.
02 OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
02.06.04.01—.06 • 52:6 Md. R. 270 (3-21-25)
03
COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY
03.01.01.01 •
52:25 Md. R. 1272 (12-12-25)
03.06.01 .01,
.03, .05, .07, .08, .11, .21, .25, .28, .47, .48, .49,
.50 • 52:26 Md. R.
1311 (12-26-25)
03.06.03.02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1311 (12-26-25)
03.08.01.01—.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 26 (1-09-26)
03.12.01.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1318 (12-26-25)
05 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
05.24.01.01—.04 • 52:13 Md. R. 660 (6-27-25)
07 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
07.02.25.01—.24 • 51:19 Md. R. 861 (9-20-24)
07.05.01.02, .09,
.14,.17 • 52:23 Md. R. 1142
(11-14-25)
07.05.02 .02, .13 • 52:23 Md. R. 1142 (11-14-25)
08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
08.01.07.10 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)
08.01.10.01—.06 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)
08.02.04.17 • 52:26 Md. R. 1321 (12-26-25) (ibr)
08.02.05.24 • 52:26 Md. R. 1322 (12-26-25)
08.02.11.01, .03 • 52:24 Md. R 1200 (12-01-25)
08.02.15.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 27 (1-09-26)
08.04.03.05—.08 • 53:1 Md. R. 29 (1-09-26)
08.07.01.25 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)
08.07.06.25 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)
08.08.05.03 • 52:7 Md. R. 326 (4-4-25)
08.18.21.05 • 52:25 Md. R. 1273 (12-12-25)
08.18.25.04 • 52:25 Md. R. 1274 (12-12-25)
09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
09.03.06.02,.04 • 52:1 Md. R. 27 (1-10-25)
09.03.06.02,.04 • 52:2 Md. R. 79 (1-24-25) (corr)
09.03.06.02,.06,.16 • 51:14 Md. R. 685 (7-12-24)
09.03.09.06 • 52:7 Md. R. 328 (4-4-2025)
09.03.16.01—.10 • 52:24 Md. R 1201 (12-01-25)
09.10.01.07 • 52:20 Md. R 1007 (10-03-25)
09.10.03.01-2,
.01-3 • 52:24 Md. R 1206
(12-01-25)
09.11.01.23 • 52:24 Md. R 1207 (12-01-25)
09.11.07.01 • 52:12 Md. R. 600 (6-13-25)
09.11.09.02 • 52:25 Md. R. 1275 (12-12-25)
09.12.56.03, .05 • 52:25 Md. R. 1275 (12-12-25) (ibr)
09.12.57.02 • 53:1 Md. R. 30 (1-09-26) (ibr)
09.12.81.01, .02,
.06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1323
(12-26-25) (ibr)
09.15.02 .11 • 52:22 Md. R. 1098 (10-31-25)
09.15.05.01—.03 • 53:1 Md. R. 31 (1-09-26)
09.19.02.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 31 (1-09-26)
09.22.01.01, .04,
.06—.16, .18 • 52:26 Md. R. 1324 (12-26-25)
09.22.02.03, .05 • 52:6 Md. R. 273 (3-21-25)
• 52:16 Md. R. 850 (8-8-25)
09.22.02, .07, .08
• 52:26 Md. R. 1324
(12-26-25)
09.22.03.06—.08 • 52:26 Md. R. 1324 (12-26-25)
09.22.04.02, .05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1324 (12-26-25)
09.30.01, .01—.10 • 52:2 Md. R 371 (4-18-25)
09.34.05.02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1328 (12-26-25)
09.34.06.02—.07,
.14 • 52:26 Md. R. 1328
(12-26-25)
09.34.07.02, .04 • 52:26 Md. R. 1328 (12-26-25)
09.34.08.01—.03,
.05—.12 • 52:26 Md. R. 1328
(12-26-25)
09.34.09.02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1328 (12-26-25)
09.34.10.01—.02 • 52:26 Md. R.1334 (12-26-25)
09.34.11.01—.14 • 52:26 Md. R. 1334 (12-26-25)
09.34.12 .01—.06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1334 (12-26-25)
09.34.13.01—.13 • 52:26 Md. R. 1334 (12-26-25)
09.34.14 01, .02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1334 (12-26-25)
09.37.03.01, .02,
.08 • 52:23 Md. R. 1146
(11-14-25)
09.42.01.01—.03 • 52:21 Md. R 1031 (10-17-25)
09.42.02.01—.10 • 52:21 Md. R 1034 (10-17-25)
09.42.03.01—.10 • 52:21 Md. R 1036 (10-17-25)
09.42.04.01—.12 • 52:22 Md. R. 1099 (10-31-25)
09.42.05.01—.05 • 52:21 Md. R 1040 (10-17-25)
10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitles 01—08 (1st volume)
10.01.01.01—.12 • 52:23 Md. R. 1147 (11-14-25)
10.01.07.01, .02, .04—.10 • 52:24 Md.R 1207 (12-01-25) (ibr)
10.01.22.01—.10 • 52:23 Md. R. 1150 (11-14-25)
10.01.23.01—.10 • 52:23 Md. R. 1153 (11-14-25)
10.07.01.01,.38,
.39 • 52:22 Md. R. 1104
(10-31-25)
10.07.01.02, .08,
.09, .28, .30 • 52:24 Md. R
1208 (12-01-25) (ibr)
10.07.04 .02, .04,
.17 • 52:26 Md. R. 1345
(12-26-25)
Subtitle 09 (2nd volume)
10.09.02.07 • 52:5 Md. R. 241 (3-7-25) (ibr)
10.09.04.07 • 52:25 Md. R. 1276 (12-12-25)
10.09.11.11 • 52:3 Md. R. 162 (2-7-25)
10.09.11.11 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)
10.09.12.01,.04—.06 • 52:3 Md. R. 164
(2-7-25)
10.09.23.04 • 52:24 Md. R 1210 (12-01-25)
10.09.24.02, .07, .12 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)
10.09.33.01, .04, .06—.09 • 53:1 Md. R. 32 (1-09-26)
10.09.37.03 • 52:5 Md. R. 242 (3-7-25)
10.09.43.10,.13 • 52:3 Md. R. 164 (2-7-25)
10.09.43.10, .13 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)
10.09.46, .12 • 52:25 Md. R. 1278 (12-12-25)
10.09.49.02, .07, .08 • 52:26 Md. R. 1346 (12-26-25)
10.09.53.04,.05 • 51:4 Md. R. 206 (2-23-24)
10.09.53.07 • 52:12 Md. R. 605 (6-13-25)
10.09.54.04, .22 • 52:12 Md. R. 606 (6-13-25)
10.09.76.04,.05 • 52:5 Md. R.
243 (3-7-25)
Subtitles 10—22 (3rd volume)
10.11.08.01, .02, .04, .06, .07 • 52:24 Md. R 1211 (12-01-25)
10.13.04.02,.03 • 52:22 Md. R. 1105 (10-31-25)
10.15.06.03 • 52:22 Md. R. 1106 (10-31-25)
10.15.07.01 • 52:22 Md. R. 1107 (10-31-25)
10.15.13.01—.06 • 52:22 Md. R. 1107 (10-31-25)
10.16.07.02,.06,.15 • 52:22 Md. R. 1105 (10-31-25)
10.19.04.01—.06, .12 • 52:23 Md. R. 1155 (11-14-25)
Subtitles
23—36 (4th volume)
10.25.07.02,.09—.12
• 51:24 Md. R. 1086 (12-2-24)
10.26.03.03,.06 • 52:24 Md. R 1212 (12-01-25)
10.26.04.02, .05,
.10 • 52:24 Md. R 1212
(12-01-25)
10.27.02.01 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.27.05.07 • 52:12 Md. R. 609(6-13-25)
10.27.10.02 • 52:16 Md. R. 856 (8-8-25)
10.27.18.01,.02 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.27.26.02 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.28.05.03 • 52:7 Md. R.
334 (4-4-25)
10.28.07.02 • 52:7 Md. R.
334 (4-4-25)
10.28.08.01—.04 • 52:7 Md. R.
334 (4-4-25)
10.28.11.04 • 52:7 Md. R.
334 (4-4-25)
10.28.12.02 • 52:7 Md. R.
334 (4-4-25)
10.32.05.02—.06 • 52:11 Md. R. 563 (5-30-25)
10.32.25.01—.06 • 52:13 Md. R. 670 (6-27-25)
10.34.02.02,.03 • 52:24 Md. R 1215 (12-01-25)
10.34.19.01—.03, .05—.19 • 52:23 Md. R. 1164 (11-14-25)
10.35.01.01—.03, .06, .08,
.11—.14, .16, .18—.20 • 53:1
Md. R. 33 (1-09-26)
10.35.02.01—.07 • 53:1 Md. R. 33 (1-09-26)
Subtitles 37—52 (5th volume)
10.37.01.03 • 51:17 Md. R. 779 (8-23-24)
10.42.01.02, .04,
.11• 52:5 Md. R. 245 (3-7-25)
10.42.02.02,06 • 52:14 Md. R 720 (7-11-25)
10.44.01.01—.30 • 52:17 Md. R 882 (8-22-25)
10.44.20.02 • 52:23 Md. R.1171 (11-14-25)
Subtitles
53—69 (6th volume)
10.65.01.06, .07, .09 • 52:24 Md. R 1216 (12-01-25)
10.65.02.04, .05 • 52:24 Md. R 1216(12-01-25)
10.65.03.02, .03, .05, .06 • 52:24 Md. R 1216 (12-01-25)
10.65.07.02 • 52:14 Md. R 721 (7-11-25)
10.65.12.01—.05 • 52:14 Md. R 721 (7-11-25)
10.67.01.01 • 52:3 Md. R. 166
(2-7-25)
10.67.06.13 • 52:3 Md. R. 166
(2-7-25)
10.69.01.01—.13 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.69.02.01—.06 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.69.03.01—.03 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)
10.67.05.05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1346 (12-26-25)
11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subtitles
1—10
11.04.15.01—.04 • 52:11 Md. R. 568 (5-30-25)
11.04.19.01—.03 • 52:26 Md. R.1347 (12-26-25)
Subtitles
11—23 (MVA)
11.11.05.02—.04,
.06 • 52:13 Md. R. 682 (6-27-25)
11.12.07.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1348 (12-26-25)
11.13.13.01—.03 • 52:2 Md. R. 126 (1-24-25) (err)
11.14.01.01—.18 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.14.02.01—.29 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.14.03.01—.14 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.14.04.01—.23 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.14.05.01—.11 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.14.06.01—.07 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)
11.15.14.02,
.04—.06, .08 • 52:24 Md. R
1218 (12-01-25)
11.15.15.02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1349 (12-26-25)
11.15.30.02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1349 (12-26-25)
11.19.05.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1349 (12-26-25)
12 DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
12.03.02.01—.11 • 52:24 Md. R 1219 (12-01-25)
13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
13A.01.05.12 • 52:17 Md. R 889 (8-22-25)
13A.02.01.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1350 (12-26-25)
13A.03.08.01—.08 • 52:14 Md. R 783 (7-11-25)
13A.03.08.01—.08 • 53:1 Md. R. 36 (1-09-26)
13A.04.13.01, .02 • 52:24 Md. R 1226 (12-01-25)
13A.04.18.01 • 53:1 Md. R. 37 (1-09-26)
13A.05.04.01—.03 • 52:17 Md. R 889 (8-22-25)
13A.12.02.03 • 52:24 Md. R 1227 (12-01-25)
13A.15.01.02 • 51:25 Md. R. 1154 (12-13-24)
13A.15.01.02 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)
13A.15.04.03 • 51:25 Md. R. 1154 (12-13-24)
13A.15.04.03 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)
13A.15.13.09 • 51:25 Md. R. 1154 (12-13-24)
13A.15.16.01—.10 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)
13B MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION
COMMISSION
13B.08.22.02 • 52:10 Md. R. 470 (5-16-25)
14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
14.01.04.05 • 51:25 Md. R. 1140 (12-13-24)
14.17.01.01 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.02.04, .06 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.05.05 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.06.02, .04,
.05, .11 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177
(11-14-25)
14.17.10.03,.07,
.09 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177
(11-14-25)
14.17.11.03, .04,
.17, .19 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177
(11-14-25)
14.17.12.02, .03,
.11 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177
(11-14-25)
14.17.13.05 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.14.04 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.15.02, .05 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.18.01 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.17.21.02 • 52:23 Md. R. 1177 (11-14-25)
14.22.01.05 • 52:6 Md. R. 288 (3-21-25)
14.39.02.06 • 52:17 Md. R 900 (8-22-25)
14.39.02.12 • 51:23 Md. R. 1046 (11-15-24)
14.41.01.01— 16 • 52:10 Md. R. 472 (5-16-25)
17 DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND
MANAGEMENT
17.04.11.31 • 53:1 Md. R. 38 (1-09-26)
18 DEPARTMENT
OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION
18.02.03.03 • 52:24 Md. R 1228 (12-01-25)
18.02.03.06 • 52:24 Md. R 1229 (12-01-25)
18.02.10.01 • 52:24 Md. R 1229 (12-01-25)
19A STATE
ETHICS COMMISSION
19A.03.01.03, .04 • 52:25 Md. R. 1279 (12-12-25)
19A.04.03, .03 • 52:25 Md. R. 1279 (12-12-25)
19A.05.03, .01 • 52:25 Md. R. 1279 (12-12-25)
20 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
20.31.01.02 • 52:6 Md. R. 290 (3-21-25)
20.31.03.04 • 52:6 Md. R. 290 (3-21-25)
20.50.14.01—.13 • 52:24 Md. R 1230 (12-01-25) (ibr)
22 STATE RETIREMENT AND
PENSION SYSTEM
22.04.02.02—.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 42 (1-09-26)
24
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
24.05.01.06, .08, .10 • 53:1 Md. R. 42 (1-09-26)
26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtitles 08—12 (Part 2)
26.09.01.02—.04 • 52:24 Md. R 1239 (12-01-25) (ibr)
26.09.02.03, .06,
.07, .10, .11 • 52:24 Md. R
1239 (12-01-25)
26.09.03.01—.09 • 52:24 Md. R 1239 (12-01-25)
26.09.04.03, .06 • 52:24 Md. R 1239 (12-01-25)
26.11.20 .02 • 52:26 Md. R. 1351 (12-26-25)
26.11.02.19 • 52:24 Md. R 1248 (12-01-25)
26.11.09.01, .07 • 52:12 Md. R. 627 (6-13-25)
Subtitles
13—18 (Part 3)
26.13.01.03—.05 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.02.01, .04,
.04-1, .04-7, .05, .06, .07, .07-1, .11, .13, .16, .19,.23 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.03.01,.01-1,.02,.03-3,.03-4,.03-5,.03-7,.05,.05-4,.06 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.04.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.05.01, .04,
.05,.14 • 52:10 Md. R. 478
(5-16-25)
26.13.06.01, .02,
.05, .22 • 52:10 Md. R. 478
(5-16-25)
26.13.07.01, .02,
.02-6, ,17, .20,.20-1—.20-6 •
52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.09.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.10.01, .04,
.06, .08, .09-1,.14, .16-1, .17, .19, .20, .25, .32—.49 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.13.11.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)
26.16.08.05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1352 (12-26-25)
Subtitles
19—30 (Part 4)
26.28.02.02 • 52:24 Md. R 1248 (12-01-25)
29 MARYLAND STATE POLICE
29.06.01.02,
.05—.09, .14 • 52:3 Md. R. 172 (2-7-25) (ibr)
30 MARYLAND INSTITUTE FOR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
SYSTEMS (MIEMSS)
30.01.01.02 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)
30.02.01.01 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)
30.02.02.02—.09 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)
31 MARYLAND INSURANCE
ADMINISTRATION
31.04.22.03, .08 • 52:5 Md. R.
248 (3-7-25)
33 STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
33.02.03.05 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.04.02.02—.04,
.06 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280
(12-12-25)
33.05.01.04 • 52:13 Md. R. 690 (6-27-25)
33.07.04.02 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.07.07.01—.03 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.07.11.01 • 52:13 Md. R. 690 (6-27-25)
33.07.11.02 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.07.12.01—.06 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.08.01.02 ,
.02-1 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280
(12-12-25)
33.11.03.08 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.14.02.14 • 52:5 Md. R. 249 (3-7-25)
33.14.02.14 • 52:15 Md. R. 821 (7-25-25)
33.16.05.03 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
33.21.03.04 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)
34 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
34.04.07.02, .03,
.05 • 52:25 Md. R. 1285
(12-12-25)
36 MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND
GAMING CONTROL AGENCY
36.03.06.01, .03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)
36.03.10.36 • 51:24 Md. R. 1118 (12-2-24)
• 52:17 Md. R 908 (8-22-25)
36.03.10.11, .12,
.43 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355
(12-26-25)
36.03.10.38 • 52:26 Md. R.1353 (12-26-25)
36.03.11.04 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.05.03.04, .05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.07.04.14 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)
36.07.06.08 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)
36.08.04.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.10.04.03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.10.10.01 • 52:26 Md. R.1353 (12-26-25)
36.10.10.03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.10.13.29, .41 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)
36.10.13.34 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.10.13.39 •
52:17 Md. R 908 (8-22-25)
36.10.14.06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
36.10.18.04, .06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)
The Division of State Documents
DEPOSITORIES FOR DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Depositories for Documents
Incorporated by Reference
into the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)
Annapolis
MD Department of
Legislative Services
90 State Circle (21401)
Contact:
Cynthia Stiverson
410-946-5430, 301-970-5400,
800-492-7111 x5400 (MD only)
FAX 410-946-5405
MD State Archives
350 Rowe Blvd. (21401)
Contact:
Christine Alvey
410-260-6438
FAX 410-974-3895
MD State Law Library
Robert C. Murphy Courts of
Appeal Bldg.
361 Rowe Blvd. (21401)
Contact:
Deborah Judy
410-260-1430, 888-216-8156
FAX 410-974-2063
Baltimore
State Library Resource Center
Enoch Pratt Free Library
400 Cathedral St. (21201)
Contact:
Danielle Ford
443-396-5426
FAX 410-396-4570
Thurgood Marshall Law Library
University of Md. Francis King Carey School of Law
501 W. Fayette Street (21201)
Contact:
Stephanie Bowe
410-706-0783
FAX 410-706-8354
Charlotte Hall
Southern MD Regional Library
37600 New Market Rd.
P.O. Box 459 (20622)
Contact:
Susan Grant
301-934-9442
FAX 301-884-0438
College Park
Hornbake Library
University of MD
Marylandia Room (20742)
Contact:
Liz Novara
301-314-2712
FAX 301-314-2709
Frostburg
Frostburg State University
Lewis J. Ort Library
1 Susan Eisel Drive (21532)
Contact:
Lisa Hartman
301-687-4734
FAX 301-687-7069
Princess Anne
Frederick Douglass Library
University of MD Eastern
Shore
(21853)
Contact:
Marvella Rounds
410-651-7697
FAX 410-651-6269
Rockville
Montgomery County Public Library
Rockville Branch
21 Maryland Avenue (20850)
Contact:
Ann Cohn
240-777-0140
FAX 240-777-0155
Salisbury
Salisbury University
Guerrieri Academic Commons
Room AC 180A
1134 S Salisbury Blvd.
(21801)
Contact:
Martha Zimmerman
410-677-0110
FAX 410-543-6203
Towson
Albert S. Cook Library
Towson University
8000 York Road (21252)
Contact:
Carl Olson
410-704-3267
FAX
410-704-4755
Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress
Anglo-American Acquisitions Division
Government Documents Section
101 Independence Ave., S.E. (20540)
Contact:
Richard Yarnall
202-707-9470
FAX 202-707-0380
The Governor
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.27
Building an Affordable and Reliable Energy
Future
WHEREAS, Maryland households and businesses face increasing and
significant volatility in monthly energy bills driven in part by regional
wholesale market dynamics, transmission congestion, outdated infrastructure
spending, and global energy insecurity;
WHEREAS, Electricity demand has rapidly increased while PJM, the private
grid operator, has delayed approval of new low-cost generation. This has set up
a situation where electricity demand may exceed required levels of supply as
early as 2027;
WHEREAS, Relieving transmission constraints, increasing capacity on
existing lines, and accelerating cost-effective grid upgrades are necessary to
stabilize bills, improve reliability, and unlock planned clean energy projects;
WHEREAS, The State of Maryland has set ambitious goals under the Climate
Solutions Now Act, the transition to a clean energy economy must be centered on
affordability and reliability for Maryland’s residents;
WHEREAS, There are opportunities to optimize permitting processes,
agency reviews, and site preparation to facilitate the deployment of
shovel-ready energy projects necessary to close the projected capacity gap;
WHEREAS, Maryland must act to remain competitive in attracting energy
investment by promoting and developing new energy resources;
WHEREAS, Traditional utility practices have not kept pace with modern
grid needs, thus necessitating a shift toward a framework that rewards
utilities for speed, affordability, and responsiveness to evolving customer
needs;
WHEREAS, Stabilizing energy costs, ensuring resource adequacy, and
modernizing the electric grid are urgent economic imperatives required to
maintain Maryland’s competitiveness as a destination for business and industry;
and
WHEREAS, Low-to-moderate income households in Maryland
disproportionately bear the burden of high energy costs, requiring targeted
state intervention to prevent energy poverty and ensure an equitable
transition.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY
VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND,
HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
A. Purpose/Scope. This Order directs executive agencies to take
immediate actions to stabilize utility bills, improve grid reliability and
efficiency, provide recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly, and
accelerate cost-effective energy deployment while maintaining affordability and
reliability for the people and economy of Maryland.
B. Definitions.
1. “Agencies” means the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA); Department
of Natural Resources (DNR); Department of Commerce (Commerce); Department of
the Environment (MDE); Department of Human Services (DHS); Department of
Transportation (MDOT); the Department of Planning (MDP), and the Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
2. “Commission” means the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
3. “Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs)” means Grid-Enhancing
Technologies (GETs), and additional technologies subsequently specified or
identified by MEA and the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) for purposes of
planning and implementation.
4. “Budget Billing” means a utility program that divides a customer’s
annual energy costs into predictable monthly payments.
5. “Non-Wire Alternatives (NWAs)” means grid solutions that use
distributed energy resources, energy efficiency, or load flexibility to defer
or replace the need for traditional transmission and distribution
infrastructure upgrades.
6. “PJM” means the regional transmission organization PJM
Interconnection, Inc.
C.
Governance Structure.
1. Energy Subcabinet. There is hereby established an Energy
Subcabinet (the “Subcabinet”) to coordinate interagency policy and oversee the
implementation of this Order.
a. The Subcabinet shall be chaired by the Director of the MEA. The
following shall be members of the Subcabinet:
1. The
Secretaries, or their designees, of the Agencies defined at Section B 1, above;
2. The
Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, as designated by the Governor; and
3. Other
Cabinet-level officials as designated by the Governor.
b. The
Subcabinet shall meet at least quarterly to align state resources and ensure
that energy policy decisions support the state’s energy affordability,
reliability, economic competitiveness, and environmental goals.
c. The
Chair of the Subcabinet may establish subcommittees or workgroups that may meet
between the Subcabinet’s quarterly meetings.
d. The
Subcabinet shall review and provide comments on:
1. Major energy-related legislative or administrative concepts proposed
by the Moore-Miller Administration; and
2. Draft recommendations prepared pursuant to this Order.
e. The
MEA shall provide primary staff support for the Subcabinet.
f. All
units of the Executive Branch of State Government shall cooperate with the
Subcabinet in carrying out its duties.
2.
Maryland Energy Advisory Council. There is hereby established a Maryland
Energy Advisory Council (“Council”) to provide external stakeholder input to
the Subcabinet.
a. The
Council shall be Chaired by the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration.
b. The
Chair shall invite representatives from:
1. The Speaker of the Maryland House of
Delegates or their designee,
2. The President of the Maryland Senate or
their designee,
3. The Maryland Public Service Commission
(PSC)
4.The Office of People’s Counsel (OPC)
5. Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC)
6. Regulated utilities (electric, gas,
municipal, cooperative),
7. PJM Interconnection, Inc,
8. Clean and renewable energy industries
(solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, battery storage, and nuclear),
9. Energy efficiency and demand response
companies,
10. Large energy producers,
11. Organized labor,
12. Consumer advocates,
13. Environmental organizations,
14. Large consumers of electricity,
15. Local governments,
16. Academic and technical experts,
17. Business communities, and
18. The agricultural sector.
c. The
Council shall identify barriers to the deployment of generation facilities and
affordability, and provide recommendations to inform the MEA’s work under this
Order.
d. The
MEA shall provide primary staff support for the Council.
e. Within
180 days of the issuance of this Order, the Council shall submit a memorandum
to the Subcabinet identifying the most urgent challenges to energy
affordability and reliability.
D. State Energy Planning and Legislative
Coordination.
1. By
January 16, 2026, the MEA shall submit written recommendations to the Speaker
of the Maryland House of Delegates and the President of the Maryland Senate
that:
a. Identify
strategies to mitigate rate impacts associated with implementation of the State
Energy Plan, including options to reduce bill volatility and protect low- and
moderate-income customers;
b. Evaluate
regulatory, administrative, and planning tools available to align
implementation of the State Energy Plan with affordability, reliability, and
economic competitiveness objectives; and
c. Outline
considerations for any future legislative changes to the State Energy Plan
framework needed to maintain affordability, reliability, and progress toward
the State’s energy and economic development goals.
2. The
MEA shall transmit copies of these recommendations to the Governor and make a
public-facing summary available consistent with applicable law and
confidentiality requirements.
E.
Consumer Affordability. To
protect Maryland ratepayers from ever-increasing utility bills and volatility,
the MEA is directed to take the following actions regarding the Public Service
Commission:
1.
Budget Billing Program Review. The MEA shall petition the Commission to
open a proceeding to examine the design, transparency, and consumer protections
of existing utility Budget Billing programs. The petition shall request that
the Commission:
a. analyze
the efficacy of Budget Billing in reducing month-to-month bill volatility and
helping households manage utility costs;
b. assess
whether current practices adequately protect customers from large true-up
balances and clearly disclose program terms, risks, and benefits;
c. assess
cash as working capital of existing programs and the rate of returns of
existing investor-owned utility budget billing programs; and
d. solicit
stakeholder input and provide recommendations on potential improvements to
existing Budget Billing offerings, including any changes needed to ensure that
such programs are fair, transparent, and aligned with consumer protection
objectives.
2.
Grid Optimization and Cost Control Ratemaking. The MEA shall petition the
Commission to adopt a regulatory strategy that prioritizes and incentivizes
flexible, optimized lower-cost grid solutions over expensive capital projects.
The petition may suggest a cost recovery structure that includes performance
incentive mechanisms (PIMs) that directly tie utility cost recovery to specific
outcomes, including but not limited to:
a.
Interconnection Speed. Metrics to accelerate the deployment of new
resources, promote flexible interconnection, and align interconnection
practices with a modern grid management system that includes virtual power
plants at the distribution and bulk wholesale levels;
b. Customer
Affordability. Metrics to support
consumer affordability and control overall bill impacts; and
c. Non-Wires
Alternatives (NWAs). A unified framework for requiring utilities to
evaluate and implement flexible Non-Wires Alternatives in all relevant
infrastructure planning cases.
1. The
petition shall recommend a consistent benefit-cost framework to prioritize
lower-cost grid solutions over expensive capital projects.
3.
Grid-Enhancing and Advanced Transmission Technologies. The MEA shall
petition the Commission to require applicants to specifically evaluate Advanced
Transmission Technologies (ATTs), including Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs),
before approving new transmission lines or major upgrades. The petition shall propose:
a. A
requirement that transmission owners:
1. Demonstrate
how ATTs were evaluated in the planning and siting of new or upgraded
transmission facilities; and
2. Provide
transparent justification when ATTs are not deployed, including financial,
operational, and planning rationales.
b. Using
a “shared savings” incentive mechanism where utilities and ratepayers share the
financial benefits of the increased capacity and congestion relief provided by
ATTs.
c. Recommending
that the Commission require transmission utilities to evaluate and report on
the potential use of and investment in ATTs over the next five years.
F.
Energy Assistance Programs.
Within 120 days, the MEA, in consultation with the Department of Human Services
and other stakeholders chosen by the Director of the MEA, shall examine
existing State energy assistance programs and provide recommendations to the
Governor on potential changes to improve affordability, bill stability, and
access for low-income and vulnerable households.
1. The
examination shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of how existing
programs interact with rate design, arrearage management, and other
affordability tools, and whether additional or modified approaches are
warranted to prevent energy insecurity and disconnections.
2. The
examination shall include, but need not be limited to, an assessment of how the
Public Service Commission’s (PSC) low-income mechanism operates for Department
of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs customers once this mechanism
is implemented, including eligibility pathways, integration across utilities,
and alignment with OHEP benefit delivery. This review shall evaluate how the
mechanism interacts with utility rate design, arrearage management practices,
and existing customer protections to determine its effectiveness in lowering
energy burden and stabilizing accounts for OHEP-eligible households. The
examination shall assess whether the mechanism is consistently applied,
sufficiently coordinated with energy assistance programs, and appropriately
structured to prevent energy insecurity and utility disconnections, and whether
refinements or enhancements are warranted.
3. The
examination shall include, but need not be limited to, an assessment of the
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) and its effectiveness for OHEP
customers, with a focus on service continuity, billing stability, arrearage
outcomes, and protection from utility shutoffs in the heating season. This
review shall consider enrollment thresholds, number of uninterrupted seasonal
protections, payment requirements, participation trends, and reasons for exit
to determine whether the program adequately supports households with
fluctuating incomes or limited ability to maintain consistent payments. The
examination shall also evaluate how USPP interacts with rate design, arrearage
management, and other affordability tools, and whether modifications are warranted
to reduce energy insecurity and prevent disconnections among low-income
households.
G.
Transmission Modernization.
Within 30 days, the Chair of the Energy Subcabinet shall convene a Workgroup
under the Subcabinet to identify opportunities to modernize Maryland’s
transmission infrastructure.
1.The
Chair shall appoint the members of the Workgroup. Membership shall include:
a. Staff of the Governor’s Office;
b. Staff of the Public Service Commission;
c. Staff of the Maryland Department of the
Environment;
d. Staff of the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources;
e. Staff of PJM Interconnection, Inc.;
f. A representative from the Transmission
Providers and State-Regulated Electric Utilities;
g. Consumer Advocates; and
h. Other relevant stakeholders.
2. The
Workgroup shall identify priorities and make recommendations regarding:
a.
Transmission needs and how ATTs can cost-effectively relieve transmission
congestion.
1. The
Workgroup shall consider mechanisms to:
a.
encourage transmission developers to evaluate and use ATTs where financially
beneficial for ratepayers;
b.
create shared savings incentive mechanisms whereby utilities and ratepayers
share the financial benefits of the increased capacity provided by ATTs; and
c.
for transmission and distribution applicants to:
i. demonstrate how
ATTs are evaluated in the planning and siting of new or upgraded transmission
or distribution facilities;
ii. provide
transparent justification when ATTs are not deployed, including financial,
operational, and planning rationales; and
iii. file regular ATT
deployment plans and reporting metrics.
2. The
Workgroup shall identify priority transmission corridors and projects where
GETs/ATTs can cost-effectively relieve congestion and support Maryland’s
reliability and clean energy goals.
3. The
Workgroup shall deliver recommendations to the Governor on GETs/ATTs, a process
for selecting candidate projects, expected benefits, and coordination with PJM
planning.
4. The
MEA shall request Commission proceedings or approvals necessary to implement
deployments and to align PJM regional planning with identified GETs/ATTs
benefits.
b.
State-Owned Right-of-Way (ROW) suitable for high-voltage transmission and
co-located energy infrastructure, including battery energy storage where
appropriate and permitted by federal law.
1. The
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)shall conduct a study for
establishing siting high-voltage transmission and co-located energy
infrastructure along state highways and other agency-owned properties suitable
for development.
2. MDOT,
with MEA, DNR, PPRP, and Commerce, shall participate in the study and shall
seek market feedback through a request
for information to identify properties of interest to the Utility companies.
3. The
study shall evaluate the existing and future planned uses of existing
state-owned rights-of-way, including but not limited to Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4), pollinator program, solar siting, future project
purposes, and existing safe work operations, to identify remaining potential
excess lands that may be suitable for high-voltage transmission, distribution,
and co-located energy infrastructure, including storage where appropriate.
4. The
Workgroup shall compare the potential excess lands with properties of interest
with Utility companies to deliver a statewide inventory of state-owned
rights-of-way suitable for high-voltage transmission, distribution, and
co-located energy infrastructure, including storage where appropriate.
5. The
Workgroup shall consider mechanisms to encourage transmission developers to use
suitable State-Owned Right-of-Way from the inventory for PJM Regional
Transmission Expansion Plan (“RTEP”) projects.
6. Applicable
Agencies shall, in coordination with PSC Staff, propose fast-track permitting
workflows for projects sited on state-owned ROW, maintaining strict
environmental protections and community engagement requirements.
7. Any
recommendations from the Workgroup shall be subject to the Secretary of
Transportation’s exclusive authority to approve or deny access to State-Owned
Rights-of-Way.
c.
The Workgroup shall explore partnerships with nonprofit organizations to
support its tasks and responsibilities set forth under this section.
d.
The Administration shall undertake best efforts to identify funding to support
the whole-of-government implementation of initiatives in this section.
H.
Maryland Energy Site-Readiness Initiative. To shift the state’s posture from reactive permitting to proactive
deployment, the Power Plant Research Program is directed to establish a
Site-Readiness Initiative (the “Initiative”) in coordination with the MEA,
Commerce, MDE and the Department of Planning.
1. The
Energy Subcabinet shall establish an Energy Site-Readiness Workgroup to
implement the Initiative.
2. Smart
Siting Inventory. By November 1, 2027, the Initiative shall publish an
inventory of previously disturbed land parcels which are pre-vetted as
potentially suitable for rapid energy deployment.
a.
Priority shall be given to disturbed lands, including brownfields, closed
mines, industrial zones, and parking canopies, to minimize impacts on
agricultural or forested lands.
b.
For priority sites, the Agencies shall conduct preliminary environmental and
interconnection feasibility assessments, subject to the availability of
funding.
3.
Development Offer Packages. To
attract developers to these pre-vetted sites, Commerce, in consultation with
the MEA, shall assemble site-specific offer packages that bundle state
resources, including, but not limited to:
a.
Targeted grant funding for grid interconnection costs;
b.
Concessionary or other appropriate financing options through the Maryland Clean
Energy Center (MCEC); and
c.
Technical assistance for workforce development and local community benefits
agreements.
4.
Regulatory De-Risking. To
accelerate the timeline from lease to operation, the Power Plant Research
Program shall streamline recommendations for a “Pre-Application Consultation”
process for projects located on inventory sites.
a.
This process shall provide developers with a list of potential permits required
and potential environmental hurdles before a Certificate of Public Convenience
and Necessity (CPCN) application is filed.
b.
The Power Plant Research Program shall formalize recommendations to allow
projects adhering to the “Smart Siting” criteria to be eligible for a “Critical
Infrastructure Fast-Track” designation to prioritize executive agency permit
review and establish concurrent agency processing.
I.
Regional Advocacy and Federal Funding.
1.
PJM and FERC Engagement. The MEA and the Public Service Commission, to the
extent permitted by law, shall coordinate to advocate for market reforms at PJM
Interconnection and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that:
a.
Evaluate the reliability and clean attributes of Maryland’s state-supported
resources;
b.
Reduce capacity market and transmission cost volatility for Maryland
ratepayers; and
c.
Align regional planning and market rules with Maryland’s affordability,
reliability, and climate goals.
2.
Federal Funding Optimization. The Energy Subcabinet shall establish a
Federal Opportunities Working Group to identify, track, and support competitive
grant applications under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other federal programs that align with the
objectives of this Order and the State Energy Plan.
J.
General Provisions.
1.
Implementation. All agencies shall implement this Order consistent with
applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
2. No
Impairment of PSC Independence. Nothing in this Order directs the Public
Service Commission’s adjudicatory decisions; requests for proceedings are
recommendations to the Commission consistent with its independent authority.
3. Severability.
If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance
is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or
applications of the Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without
the invalid provision or application.
GIVEN Under My Hand and the
Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel
County, this 19th Day of December, 2025.
Wes Moore
Governor
ATTEST:
Susan C. Lee
Secretary of State
[26-01-14]
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.28
Establishing All-Payer Total Cost of Care Growth and Primary
Care Investment Targets in Maryland
WHEREAS, Affordable and accessible health
care is essential to the health and overall well-being of Maryland residents,
families, and communities and is the foundation on which we build safer
neighborhoods and more vibrant communities;
WHEREAS, The Moore-Miller Administration is
committed to strengthening Maryland's economic competitiveness in health care
through policies, regulations, and actions;
WHEREAS, Marylanders report worrying about
affording health care in the future, and low-income residents and residents
with disabilities are more likely to delay or forego needed health care due to
costs;
WHEREAS, Advancing a comprehensive,
all-payer approach to addressing total cost of care growth is critical to
expanding on work initiated by the Total Cost of Care model, and to fulfilling
contractual obligations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
required by the AHEAD model; and
WHEREAS, Primary care is the foundation for
high-quality whole-person care for all Marylanders, and investment and support
of primary care is necessary to ensure prevention and treatment of illness,
early detection of health issues to avoid longer-term complications, and proper
management of chronic conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES
MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF
MARYLAND, HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
A. Establishing
all-payer total cost of care and primary care investment targets.
1. It is the policy of
the State to address the rate of health care spending growth by establishing an
all-payer total cost of care growth target annually starting in calendar year
2027 and each calendar year thereafter.
2. It is the policy of
the State to address primary care investment by establishing an all-payer
primary care investment target annually starting in calendar year 2027 and each
calendar year thereafter, informed by the recommendations in the report
required under Chapter 667 of the Acts of 2022 and codified at §19-108.4 of the
Health-General Article.
3. These targets shall
apply across all Maryland health care markets and populations.
B.. The Multi-Agency
Regulatory Working Group, established by the Governor's Directive: Creation
of Regulatory Working Group, issued September 23, 2025, shall:
1. By-no later than
February 2026, initiate engagement with stakeholders to develop and advise on
the development of the statewide all-payer total cost of care growth target;
2. By no later than
February 2026, initiate engagement with the Maryland Health Care Commission's
Primary Care Investment Workgroup and other stakeholders to develop and advise
on development of a primary care investment target;
3. Update legislators
on the development of the statewide all-payer total cost of care growth target
and primary care investment target;
4. Assess data assets
and data authorities, including those held by the State-designated health
information exchange, and determine which data can be utilized to assess
performance relative to a target;
5. Engage relevant
regulated entities to assess data assets and furnish data required to assess
performance relative to a target, within the limits of statutory authority;
6. Establish and
engage in data collection, verification, analysis, and reporting processes;
7. Document a
Statewide all-payer total cost of care growth target and primary care
investment target methodology;
8. Develop, in
consultation with stakeholders, policies and strategies to support attainment
of the all-payer total cost of care growth targets and primary care investment
targets.
9. Submit draft
calendar year 2027-2030 all-payer total cost of care growth methodology and
targets and primary care investment methodology and targets to the Governor no
later than May 2026;
10. Submit final
calendar year 2027-2030 all-payer total cost of care growth methodology and
targets and primary care investment methodology and targets to the Governor no
later than September 2026;
11. Starting in 2030
and applicable for all years thereafter, submit draft all-payer total cost of
care growth targets and primary care investment targets to the Governor no
later than May of calendar year preceding the target; and
12. Starting in 2030,
submit final all-payer total cost of care growth targets and primary care
investment targets to the Governor no later than September of the calendar year
preceding the target.
C. General Provisions.
1..This Executive
Order shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable
statutes and regulations. Nothing in this Executive Order shall operate to
contravene any State or federal law or to affect the State's receipt of federal
funding
2. If any provision of
this Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance
is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or
applications of the Executive Order shall remain in effect to the extent
possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose,
the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.
GIVEN Under My Hand and
the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 19th
Day of December 2025.
WES MOORE
Governor
ATTEST:
SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State
[26-01-15]
EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2025.29
(Amends Executive Order 01.01.1986.12)
INDIVIDUALS WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES [Developmentally Disabled Persons]
WHEREAS, The Maryland Disabilities Law
Center, Inc. was designated by Executive Order 01.01.1977.07 and again when
later amended by O1.01.1986.12, as the agency responsible for the protection
and advocacy of the rights of the developmentally disabled.
WHEREAS, Modifications to Executive Order
01.01.1986.12 are desirable to reflect the name change of the Maryland
Disabilities Law Center, Inc. to Disability Rights Maryland and to update the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, then- Public Law
94-103, to reflect its current codification, 42 U.S.C. §15041 et. seq.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES
MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN
ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY AMEND EXECUTIVE ORDER
01.01.1986.12 AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
1.
(a) DISABILITY
RIGHTS MARYLAND, INC., DOING BUSINESS AS THE [The] Maryland Disabilities
Law Center, Inc., a private, non-profit corporation incorporated under Maryland
law, WAS DESIGNATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDERS 01.01.1977.07 AND 01.01.1986.12 AND
CONTINUED TO BE [is] designated as the official agency, for purposes of 42
U.S.C. §15041 ET. SEQ. [Public Law 94-103], responsible for the
implementation of the State system for the protection and advocacy of the
rights of INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES [the
developmentally disabled].
(b) DISABILITY
RIGHTS MARYLAND, INC., [The Maryland Disabilities Law Center, Inc.], shall
perform the functions, duties, and responsibilities authorized to be performed
or specifically delegated to it by the "State of Maryland Plan for a
System to Protect the Individual Rights of and to Advocate for Persons with
Developmental Disabilities under 42 U.S.C. §15041 ET. SEQ.
[Public Law 94-103]."
2. AFTER DISABILITY
RIGHTS MARYLAND'S DESIGNATION AS THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY SYSTEM FOR THE
STATE OF MARYLAND IN EXECUTIVE ORDERS 01.01.1977.07 AND 01.01.1986.12, CONGRESS
ESTABLISHED ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS TO CREATE AND FUND LEGAL ADVOCACY PROGRAMS FOR
ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ISSUE AREAS. BASED
ON THE DESIGNATION IN PARAGRAPH l(A) OF THIS ORDER, DISABILITY RIGHTS MARYLAND,
INC. IS THE ELIGIBLE SYSTEM, AS DEFINED IN 42 U.S.C. §10802(2) AND 29 U.S.C.
§794E(M)(I), RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STATE SYSTEM FOR PROTECTION
AND ADVOCACY OF THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS (PAIMI) AND
PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (PAIR).
3. [2.] The
designation of DISABILITY RIGHTS MARYLAND, INC., [the Maryland
Disabilities Law Center, Inc.,] as the official agency for purposes of 42
U.S.C §15041 ET. SEQ. [Public Law 94-103] shall continue unless
amended, altered, or withdrawn by subsequent Executive Order.
GIVEN Under My Hand and
the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 19th
Day of December 2025.
WES MOORE
Governor
ATTEST:
SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State
[26-01-16]
The General Assembly
For additional up-to-date
information concerning bills introduced in the General Assembly, log on to http://mlis.state.md.us and click on Bill Information and Status. You may then enter a specific bill number for
information about that bill. You may
also click on Senate Synopsis or House Synopsis for the most recent synopsis
list for each house, or click on Synopsis Index for a listing of all bill
synopses since the beginning of the legislative session.
Chapters
CH0001 HB0056 of the 2025 Regular
Session (Amended) Del
Charkoudian, et al. Procurement – State
Department of Education – Local Food Purchasing Program.
CH0002 HB0128 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Del
Fraser–Hidalgo. Climate Change
Adaptation and Mitigation – Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions –
Study and Reports.
CH0003 HB0270 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Del Crosby. Data Center Impact Analysis and Report.
CH0004 HB0328 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Del Ebersole, et
al. State Lottery – Instant Ticket
Lottery Machines – Veterans’ and Fraternal Organizations.
CH0005 HB0333 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Del Kerr, et
al. Healthcare Ecosystem Stakeholder
Cybersecurity Workgroup.
CH0006 HB0384 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Del Lehman, et
al. Maryland Disability Service Animal
Program – Established.
CH0007 HB1037 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Del Crosby. Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act.
CH0008 HB1316 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Del Wolek, et
al. Primary and Secondary Education –
Youth–Centric Technology and Social Media Resource Guide.
CH0009 SB0587 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen Muse, et
al. State Government – Maryland
Reparations Commission.
CH0010 SB0116 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Sens Lewis Young and Ready. Data Center Impact Analysis and Report.
CH0011 SB0121 of the 2025 Regular Session Sen A. Washington. Vehicle Laws – Noise Abatement Monitoring
Systems Pilot Program – Inspection and Extension.
CH0012 SB0149 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen Hester. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation –
Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Study and Reports.
CH0013 SB0157 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Sen Simonaire, et
al. Maryland Disability Service Animal
Program – Established.
CH0014 SB0168 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen Simonaire. Confined Aquatic Disposal Cells –
Construction – Moratorium.
CH0015 SB0177 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen Hester. Procurement – State Department of Education –
Local Food Purchasing Program.
CH0016 SB0455 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen McKay, et al.
Security Guard Agencies – Special Police Officers – Application for
Appointment.
CH0017 SB0655 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Sen Hester. Courts – Artificial Intelligence Evidence
Clinic Pilot Program – Establishment.
CH0018 SB0691 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Amended) Sen Hester. Healthcare Ecosystem Stakeholder
Cybersecurity Workgroup.
CH0019 SB0909 of the 2025 Regular Session
(Enrolled) Sen Hester. Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act.
[26-01-02]
SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
IN THE SUPREME
COURT OF MARYLAND
DISCIPLINARY
PROCEEDINGS
* * * * * * * * * *
This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated
December 18, 2025 GREGORY WAYNE JONES (CPF# 1002040011) As of December 18,
2025, Gregory Wayne Jones has been immediately suspended, and his name has been
stricken from the register of attorneys in this Court. Notice of this action is
given in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761(b).
* * * * * * * * * *
This is to certify that by an Order
of this Court dated October 23, 2025 BRENDAN MICHAEL O’BRIEN (CPF#
1006170188) As of December 21, 2025, Brendan Michael O’Brien has been
suspended for 30 days by consent, and his name has been stricken from the
register of attorneys in this Court. Notice of this action is given in
accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761(b).
[26-01-05]
Final Action on Regulations
Symbol Key
• Roman type
indicates text already existing at the time of the proposed action.
• Italic
type indicates new text added
at the time of proposed action.
• Single underline, italic indicates new text added at the time of final
action.
• Single
underline, roman indicates existing text added at the time of final action.
• [[Double
brackets]] indicate text deleted at the time of final action.
Title 01
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Subtitle 02 SECRETARY OF STATE
01.02.04 Charitable
Organizations: Substantive Regulations
Authority: Business Regulation Article, §§6-204 and 6-407(f),
Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-242-F]
On January 5, 2026, the Secretary of State adopted new Regulation .22
under COMAR 01.02.04 Charitable Organizations: Substantive Regulations.
This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:23 Md. R. 1141 (November 14,
2025), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State
Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle 18 HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY
VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION AND ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
10.18.06 Maryland AIDS Drug
Assistance Program: Pharmacy Services
Authority: Health General Article, §§2-104(b) and (i), 2-105(a) and
(b), and 18-102(a), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-211-F]
On December 22, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulation .02 under COMAR 10.18.06 Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance
Program: Pharmacy Services. This action, which was proposed for adoption in
52:22 Md. R. 1109—1110 (October 31, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 27 BOARD OF NURSING
10.27.06 Practice of Nurse
Anesthetist
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§8-205(a)(1), (3), (4), and
(5), and 8-513, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-229-F]
On December 16, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulation .05 under COMAR 10.27.06 Practice of Nurse Anesthetists.
This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:22 Md. R. 1110 (October 31,
2025), has been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 32 BOARD OF PHYSICIANS
10.32.05 Telehealth
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-213, 1-606, 1-1003,
1-1006, and 14-205, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-230-F]
On December 16, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulation .06 under COMAR 10.32.05 Telehealth. This action,
which was proposed for adoption in 52:22 Md. R. 1110 (October 31, 2025), has
been adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
10.32.08 Licensure of Athletic
Trainers
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-213, 1-606, 14-205,
14-5D-01, 14-5D-11.4, and 14-5D-14, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-212-F]
On December 16, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulations .01, .02, .05, .06, .09, and .12 under COMAR
10.32.10 Licensure of Athletic Trainers. This action, which was proposed
for adoption in 52:22 Md. R. 1111—1112 (October 31, 2025), has been adopted
with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
Attorney General’s Certification
In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do
not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and
the basis for this conclusion are as follows:
Regulation .05: The purpose of this change is to clarify the
requirements of supervising physicians of athletic trainers who perform dry
needling. A stakeholder submitted a
comment requesting that the phrase “...who has training and experience in dry
needling” be added to 10.32.08.05D(5).
The Board agreed with this amendment as it is consistent with the
athletic trainer’s statute, which requires the physician to direct and supervise
the AT in specialized task performance. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in
nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.
.05 Scope of Practice.
A.—C. (proposed text unchanged)
D. (proposed text unchanged)
(1)—(4) (proposed text unchanged)
(5) Administering dry needling therapy under the
direction and guidance of a supervising physician who has training
and experience in dry needling.
E.—F. (proposed text unchanged)
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
10.32.10 Licensure of
Radiation Therapists, Radiographers, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Radiologist
Assistants
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §14-5B-03, Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-213-F]
On December 30, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulations .01, .02, .04, .05, .05-1,
.05-2, .07, .08, and .10—.12 under
COMAR 10.32.10 Licensure of Radiation Therapists, Radiographers, Nuclear
Medicine Technologists, and Radiologist Assistants. This action, which was proposed for adoption
in 52:23 Md. R. 1157—1160 (November 14, 2025), has been adopted with the
nonsubstantive changes shown below.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
Attorney General’s Certification
In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do
not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and
the basis for this conclusion are as follows:
COMAR 10.32.10.01: The change is clarifying and corrective in
nature. It clarifies that a student
enrolled in a radiation therapy, radiography, nuclear medicine technology, or
radiology assistance educational program is permitted to practice radiation
therapy, radiography, nuclear medicine technology, or radiology assistance
without a license while enrolled in the educational program. This is an already existing licensure
exemption, and the nonsubstantive amendments do not make any changes.
.01 Scope.
A. (proposed text unchanged)
B. This chapter does not prohibit:
(1) A radiation therapy, radiography, nuclear medicine technology,
or radiology assistance student enrolled in an educational program [[recognized
by the ARRT or its successor as a radiology assistance education
program,]] from practicing radiation therapy, radiography, nuclear
medicine technology, or radiology assistance in the educational program;
(2)—(3) (proposed text unchanged)
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
10.32.11 Licensing of
Respiratory Care Practitioners
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-213, 1-606, 14-205(a),
14-5A, and 14-5C-03, Annotated Code of Maryland; Ch. 328, Acts of 2008
Notice of Final Action
[25-223-F]
On December 30, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulations .01, .02, .04, .06, .07, .10, .11, and .13—.15 under COMAR
10.32.11 Respiratory Care Practitioners. This action, which was proposed
for adoption in 52:23 Md. R. 1160—1162 (November 14, 2025), has been adopted as
proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
10.32.20 Licensure of
Perfusionists
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-221, 1-606, 14-205,
14-5E-01—14-5E-20, and 14-5E-23, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-224-F]
On December 30, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulations .02, .03, .06, .10, .11, .14—.16, and .18 under COMAR
10.32.20 Licensure of Perfusionists. This action, which was proposed for
adoption in 52:23 Md. R. 1162—1164 (November 14, 2025), has been adopted as
proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
10.32.21 Licensure,
Regulation, and Discipline of Naturopathic Doctors
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§14-5F-04, 14-5F-04.1,
14-5F-05, 14-5F-08, 14-5F-12, 14-5F-12.1, and 14-5F-15, Annotated
Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-214-F]
On December 18, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to
Regulations .02, .05, .10, .11, and .20 and new Regulations .03-1
and .03-2 under COMAR 10.32.21 Licensure, Regulation, and Discipline
of Naturopathic Doctors. This
action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:22 Md. R. 1112—1114 (October 31,
2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
Attorney General’s Certification
In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do
not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and
the basis for this conclusion are as follows: Health Occupations, 14-5F-12.1,
which went into effect on October 1, 2025, has been added as authority. This is
technical in nature and does not change the regulatory text.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 33 BOARD OF LONG-TERM
CARE ADMINISTRATORS
Notice of Final Action
[25-201-F]
On December 17, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted:
(1) The repeal in its entirety of COMAR 10.33 Board of Nursing
Home Administrators;
(2) New Regulations .01—.04 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.01 General Regulations, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(3) New Regulations .01—.14 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.02 Licensing of Nursing Home Administrators, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(4) New Regulations .01—.10 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.03 Licensing of Assisted Living Managers, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(5) New Regulations .01—.02 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.04 Continuing Education Requirements, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(6) New Regulations .01—.02 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.05 Fees, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(7) New Regulations .01—.02 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.06 Code of Ethics, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators;
(8) New Regulations .01—.13 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.07 Sanctions and Disciplinary Proceedings, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators; and
(9) New Regulations .01—.02 under a new chapter, COMAR
10.33.08 Compelling Purpose Disclosure, under a new subtitle, Subtitle
33 Board of Long-Term Care Administrators.
This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:21 Md. R.
1053—1074 (October 17, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes
shown below.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
Attorney General’s Certification
In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do
not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and
the basis for this conclusion are as follows:
COMAR 10.33.01.02B(19) and (20): These amendments correct a
grammatical error.
COMAR 10.33.03.07C(2)(c): This amendment corrects the assisted
living manager training course being approved by the Department and not the
Board.
COMAR 10.33.07 (Authority): This amendment adds a statutory
authority erroneously omitted.
COMAR 10.33.07.02B(4)(b) and (b)(ii): These amendments clarify the
definition of a complaint.
COMAR 10.33.07.02B(5): This amendment clarifies the definition of a
preliminary investigation.
COMAR 10.33.07.03A(2)(b): This
amendment removes any ambiguity pertaining to complaint
investigations of applicants.
COMAR 10.33.07.03D(3): This amendment updates Board procedures for
the complaint process.
COMAR 10.33.07.03D(6): This amendment clarifies who qualifies as a
witness.
COMAR 10.33.07.06A: This amendment removes the redundancy of an
authority in Regulation .06A already provided under the chapter authority.
10.33.01 General Regulations
Authority: Health-General
Article, §2-104; Health Occupations Article, §§9-101—9-501; Annotated Code of
Maryland
.02 Definitions.
A. (proposed text unchanged)
B. Terms Defined.
(1)—(18) (proposed text unchanged)
(19) “Practice of assisted living management” means the exercise
of final authority of any act or in the making of any decision involved
in the planning, organizing, directing, or controlling of the day-to-day
operation of an assisted living program.
(20) “Practice of nursing home administration” means the
exercise of final authority of any act or in the making of any decision
involved in the planning, organizing, directing, or controlling of the
day-to-day operation of a nursing home.
(21)—(22) (proposed text unchanged)
10.33.03
Licensing of Assisted Living Managers
Authority: Health-General
Article, §19-1809; Health Occupations Article, §§9-205, 9-3A-01—9-3A-18, and
9-401—9-501; Annotated Code of Maryland
.07 Inactive
Status and Reactivation.
A.—B.
(proposed text unchanged)
C.
Reactivation.
(1)
(proposed text unchanged)
(2)
Before the Board may reactivate the license of an individual who has been on
inactive status for 5 years or more, the individual shall:
(a)—(b)
(proposed text unchanged)
(c)
Complete a [[Board-approved]] Department-approved
assisted living manager training course; and
(d)
(proposed text unchanged)
(3)
(proposed text unchanged)
10.33.07
Sanctions and Disciplinary Proceedings
Authority: Health-General
Article, §§2-104 and 19-1809; Health Occupations Article, §§1-212,
1-602—1-609, 9-205, 9-313—9-316.1, 9-3A-11—9-3A-17, and 9-401—9-407; State
Government Article, §§10-201—10-226; Annotated Code of Maryland
.02
Definitions.
A.
(proposed text unchanged)
B.
Terms Defined.
(1)—(3)
(proposed text unchanged)
(4)
Complaint.
(a)
(proposed text unchanged)
(b)
“Complaint” [[includes]] may include, but is
not limited to, the following:
(i)
(proposed text unchanged)
(ii)
Reports or allegations from a government entity concerning a nursing home or
assisted living program at which the licensee, applicant, or individual
is or was employed;
(iii)—(vi) (proposed text unchanged)
(5)
“Preliminary investigation” means a review of the allegations in a complaint by
the Board and the response from a respondent, if sought and provided,
that determines whether there is a sufficient basis for a formal Board
investigation.
(6) (proposed text unchanged)
.03 Complaints,
Investigations, and Disposition of Complaint.
A.
Complaint.
(1)
(proposed text unchanged)
(2)
The Board shall investigate and take appropriate action as to any complaint
filed with the Board that alleges or indicates that:
(a)
(proposed text unchanged)
(b)
A licensee or an applicant has violated disciplinary grounds of the
Board; or
(c)
(proposed text unchanged)
B.—C.
(proposed text unchanged)
D.
Investigation of Complaint.
(1)—(2)
(proposed text unchanged)
(3)
Prior to or after a decision on whether to open a formal investigation of a
complaint, the Board may send a summary or a copy of the complaint,
either in its entirety or redacted, to the licensee, applicant, or
individual who is the subject of the complaint to obtain a response to the
allegations made in the complaint.
(4)—(5)
(proposed text unchanged)
(6)
As part of its investigation, the Board may issue investigative subpoenas
requiring [[the]] attendance and testimony [[of
witnesses, who may have information about the complaint,]] or
the production of records[[,]] or [[other]]
tangible objects. The subpoena shall be:
(a)—(b)
(proposed text unchanged)
E.—H.
(proposed text unchanged)
.06 Grounds for
Sanctioning and Sanctions.
A. [[Pursuant
to Health Occupations Article, §§9-314(b)(3) or 9-3A-12(b)(3), Annotated Code
of Maryland, the]] The Board may deny a license to any
applicant, suspend or revoke the license of a licensee, place on probation,
reprimand, or fine a licensee after proper notice and a hearing, if the
applicant or licensee:
(1)—(18)
(proposed text unchanged)
B.—E.
(proposed text unchanged)
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 44 BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS
10.44.36 Private Dental
Offices—Infection Control
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§[[4-101]],
4-104 and 4-205(c)(1)(v), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-225-F-I]
On December 30, 2025, the Secretary of Health adopted new Regulations
.01—.07 under a new chapter, COMAR 10.44.36 Private Dental
Offices—Infection Control. This action, which was proposed for adoption in
52:23 Md. R. 1172—1173 (November 14, 2025), has been adopted with the
nonsubstantive changes shown below.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
Attorney General’s Certification
In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do
not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and
the basis for this conclusion are as follows:
COMAR 10.44.36: The reference to Health Occupations, §4-101,
Annotated Code of Maryland has been corrected to §4-104 to reflect the correct
statutory authority. This is technical in nature and does not change the
regulatory text.
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Title 13B
MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
Subtitle 02 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
13B.02.01 Requirements for
Authorization of Out-of-State Degree-Granting Institutions to Operate in
Maryland
Authority: Education Article §10-212, 11-105, 11-201—11-207, and
16-108, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-065-F]
On December 10, 2025, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted amendments to Regulation .07
under COMAR 13B.02.01 Requirements for Authorization of Out-of-State
Degree-Granting Institutions to Operate in Maryland. This action, which was
proposed for adoption in 52:10 Md. R. 470 (May 16, 2025), has been adopted as
proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
SANJAY RAI
Secretary
Subtitle 08 FINANCIAL AID
13B.08.20 Cybersecurity Public
Service Scholarship Program
Authority: Education Article, §§11-105 and Title 18, Subtitle 35,
Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Final Action
[25-128-F]
On December 10, 2025, the Maryland Higher Education Commission
adopted amendments to Regulations .02—.11, and .13 under COMAR
13B.08.20 Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program. This action,
which was proposed for adoption in 52:13 Md. R. 688 (June 27, 2025), has been
adopted as proposed.
Effective Date: January 19, 2026.
SANJAY RAI
Secretary
Withdrawal of Regulations
Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Subtitle 34 OFFICE OF CEMETERY
OVERSIGHT
Notice of Withdrawal
[25-078-W]
The Office of Cemetery Oversight
withdraws amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 09.34.05
Crematories—Definitions, Regulations .02—.07, and .14
under COMAR 09.34.06 Crematories—Permit and Registration Process and Fees, Regulation .02 under COMAR
09.34.07 Crematories—Inspections, Complaints, and Discipline, Regulations .01—.03, .05—.08 and
.10—.12 under COMAR 09.34.08 Crematories—Crematory Procedures, and Regulation .02
under COMAR 09.34.09 Crematories—Code of Ethics, as published in 52:10
Md. R. 441—446 (May 16, 2025).
DEBORAH RAPPAZZO
Director of the Office of Cemetery Oversight
Proposed Action on Regulations
Title 03
COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY
Subtitle 08 NEW TIRE FEE
AND TIRE RECYCLING FEE
03.08.01 General Regulations
Authority: Environment Article, §9-228; Transportation Article, §22-421;
Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-303-P]
The Comptroller of the Treasury proposes to amend Regulations .01—.04
under COMAR 03.08.01 General Regulations.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to adopt regulations that are
necessary and appropriate to administer, collect, and enforce the tire
recycling fee and the new tire fee.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Krista Sermon, Deputy Director, Comptroller
of the Treasury, P.O. Box 2983 Annapolis, MD 21404, or call 410-260-7319, or
email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February
9, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.01 Definitions.
A. For purposes of the new
tire fee and the tire recycling fee, the following terms have the meaning
indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) “First sale” means a sale of a new tire that is not a sale
to a wholesaler or out-of-state retailer.
(2) “New Tire Fee” means the fee imposed under the
Transportation Article, §22-421, Annotated Code of Maryland.
[(1)] (3) (text unchanged)
(4) “Tire dealer” means a person who sells new tires to:
(a) A seller of tires in the State that is not a tire wholesaler;
or
(b) A consumer of a tire on which a recycling fee has not been
paid.
(5) “Tire recycling fee” means the fee imposed under Environment
Article, §9-228, Annotated Code of Maryland.
[(2)] (6) (text unchanged)
.02 Tire Wholesaler Certificate.
A. A tire dealer does not pay the new tire fees or the tire
recycling fees on tires sold to a tire wholesaler. If a tire dealer does not
know, or cannot ascertain, whether a buyer is a tire wholesaler, the tire
dealer should request a written statement from the buyer certifying that the
buyer is a tire wholesaler.
B. Form of Certificate. A particular form for the certificate is
not required, but it shall:
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) Contain the buyer's new tire fee or recycling fee
account number; and
(3) (text unchanged)
C. (text unchanged)
D. Notwithstanding the provision in Regulation .03 of this chapter,
a tire dealer shall keep a certificate for a period of 4 years after the last
sale upon which the tire dealer relies upon the certificate to avoid the
payment of the new tire fee or the tire recycling fee.
E. A certificate does not relieve a tire dealer from paying new
tire fees or tire recycling fees unless the certificate is accepted
in good faith. A tire dealer who knows or should know that a buyer is not a
tire wholesaler is required to pay the fees on tires sold to that buyer without
regard to any certificate which that buyer may provide.
F. Buyers of tires who are not tire wholesalers do not have the
option of buying tires free of new tire fees or tire recycling fees and
paying the fees directly to the Comptroller.
.03 Records.
A.—C. (text unchanged)
D. If a seller of new tires in the State fails to keep the records
required, the Comptroller may compute any new tire fees or tire
recycling fees which are due by using a factor that the Comptroller develops
by:
(1)—(3) (text unchanged)
E. If the seller of new tires in the State fails to keep the
records required, the computation of the new tire fee and the tire
recycling fee under § D of this regulation is presumptively correct.
.04 Returns.
A. Filing Requirements. A person who is responsible for paying the new tire fee or the tire
recycling fee on tires sold during the course of a month shall file with the
Comptroller a [report of] return reporting those sales,
accompanied by payment of the new tire fee and the tire recycling
fee, by the 21st day of the succeeding calendar month.
B. Filing Basis.
(1) If the Comptroller determines from an application for a new
tire fee account or tire recycling fee account, previous reporting
history, or through audit that a person subject to the tire recycling fee and
new tire fee is expected to remit less than [$100 ] $750 per
month in total fees, the Comptroller may assign that person a filing
basis that is less frequent than monthly.
(2) A person assigned a filing basis which is other than monthly
shall notify the Comptroller whenever that person has reason to believe that
future new tire fee or tire recycling fee payment obligations
will average more than [$100] $750 in total fees per
month.
(3) A person assigned a filing basis which is less frequent than
four times per year, shall file with the Comptroller a supplemental return for
any month, other than the month or months for which scheduled returns are due,
in which fees due for that month exceed [$100] $750. This
return, which is due by the due date set forth in § A of this regulation, shall
also encompass any previously unreported fees accrued since the person's most
recently filed return. Filing of this return does not affect a person's liability
to file the next scheduled return.
C. The Comptroller shall [mail] make the tire
[recycling] fee return available to registrants, either
electronically or by mail, [appropriate returns] well in
advance of due dates. The failure to receive a return from the Comptroller does
not, however, alter a person's obligation to file on time. A person who has not
received a return from the Comptroller far enough in advance of the due date to
avoid a late filing shall request an additional form from the Comptroller or
file a signed schedule providing the information normally required on a return,
together with the fees due, on or before the due date.
D. A person registered with the Comptroller for the new
tire fee or the tire recycling fee shall file returns
in accordance with that person's filing schedule, even if fees are not due.
E. (text unchanged)
BROOKE E. LIERMAN
Comptroller of the
Treasury
Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Subtitle 02 FISHERIES SERVICE
08.02.15 Striped Bass
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §4-215, Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-302-P]
The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to amend Regulation .04
under COMAR 08.02.15 Striped Bass.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to increase the allocation cap in the
Chesapeake Bay commercial striped bass fishery and modify the transfer rules
for permits, allocation, and shares in both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic
Ocean commercial striped bass fisheries.
The Chesapeake Bay Individual Transferrable Quota Fishery currently
has maximum caps on the amount of the fishery that any participant may own
permanently (share) or temporarily (annual allocation). For temporary
transfers, a commercial tidal fish licensee may not receive an allocation
transfer when the licensee possesses 1.5 percent or more of the total
commercial quota for the Chesapeake Bay fisheries for that year. Due to permit
consolidation over time and instances where a permit or share/allocation could
not be transferred based on going over the cap, the Striped Bass Industry
Advisory Workgroup requested the Department to consider changing the allocation
cap. Based on feedback received during the scoping process, the proposed action
increases the allocation cap to 2 percent. This would allow individuals to
temporarily possess an additional 0.5 percent of the Chesapeake Bay commercial
striped bass quota. The Striped Bass Industry Advisory Workgroup informed the
Department that this change will provide a greater possibility of being able to
harvest the annual quota. The annual quota is set by the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission and is not impacted by this action. The proposed action
also makes changes to the transfer rules for permits, allocation, and shares in
both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean commercial striped bass fisheries.
Currently, the license season (September to August) is different from the
striped bass permit season (January to December). Given the differences in the
two time periods and in conjunction with the transferring of licenses, permits,
shares, and allocation, there are rare instances when a striped bass permit may
be held by a commercially unlicensed individual for a short period of time.
Striped bass permits held by commercially unlicensed individuals cannot be
fished nor can permits or allocation held by a commercially unlicensed
individual be transferred under current regulations. When a commercial license
is temporarily transferred, the striped bass permit does not have to be
transferred at the same time. In these instances, the permit is now held by an
unlicensed individual since the permanent license holder has temporarily
transferred their license. The proposed action allows a permanent license
holder who holds a striped bass permit to be able to transfer their permit,
share, or allocation, even during a time period when they have temporarily
transferred their license away. Under current rules, that permit and any
allocation or shares associated with that permit cannot be fished or
transferred.
This action allows a permanent license holder to conduct striped
bass permit, allocation, and share transfers even when the license has been
temporarily transferred away, thereby increasing the efficiency of their
business. The modifications to this language also allows an individual whose
temporary license transfer has expired while they still have an active striped
bass permit to temporarily transfer the permit and/or allocation to a
currently-licensed individual. Under current rules, when a temporary license
transfer expires prior to the expiration of a temporary striped bass permit
transfer, because the individual is no longer licensed, the permit and any
associated allocation can no longer be fished or transferred. Allowing the
individual who properly obtained the temporary permit transfer to then transfer
that permit, allocation, or both to a currently-licensed individual will allow
the allocation to be harvested prior to the end of the permit year.
Estimate of Economic Impact
I. Summary of Economic Impact. The proposed action could
have a positive economic impact on commercial striped bass permittees by
allowing additional business flexibilities.
II. Types of Economic Impact.
|
Impacted Entity
|
Revenue
(R+/R-)
Expenditure
(E+/E-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
A. On issuing agency:
|
NONE
|
|
|
B. On other State agencies:
|
NONE
|
|
|
C. On local governments:
|
NONE
|
|
|
|
Benefit
(+)
Cost
(-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
D. On regulated industries or
trade groups:
|
|
|
|
Commercial Striped Bass Fishery Participants
|
(+)
|
Indeterminable
|
|
E. On other industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
F. Direct and indirect
effects on public:
|
NONE
|
|
III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number
from Section II.)
D(1). It is possible that by allowing individuals to possess more
allocation during the management year that harvest will be conducted in a more
efficient manner. This may lead to higher margins for striped bass permittees.
It is also possible that by allowing permits, allocation, and shares to be
transferred when an individual is no longer in possession of an active license,
permittees will be better able to ensure the harvest of that allocation and
manage their business.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has a meaningful economic impact on small
businesses. An analysis of this economic impact follows:
The proposed action has an indeterminable positive impact on small
businesses. Commercial watermen operating small businesses will have greater
flexibility in their business operations and may realize a greater profit based
on market conditions and increased efficiencies. However, it is not possible to
know the extent of these impacts due to the variability of the fishery and the
wide variety of reasons that individuals within the fishery choose to transfer
permits, allocation, or shares.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with
disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Commercial Striped Bass Transfer Rules,
Regulatory Staff, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating
Services, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis MD 21401, or call 410-260-8300, or email
to complete the comment form at https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/regulations/changes.aspx#sbcaps.
Comments will be accepted through February 9, 2026. A public hearing has not
been scheduled.
.04 Tidal Fish Licensee Intent to Fish.
A.—E. (text unchanged)
F. Temporary Transfers.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) A [commercial tidal
fish licensee] properly registered striped bass permit or allocation associated with a
properly registered striped bass permit may be temporarily [transfer a striped bass permit or allocation] transferred
if:
(a)—(b) (text unchanged)
(3) Except as provided in §G of this regulation, [a commercial tidal fish licensee may
not transfer] shares may not be transferred.
(4) Chesapeake Bay Individual Transferrable Quota Fishery.
(a) Prior to the start of the quota year, during the period July 15
through September 15, or the next business day if September 15 falls on a
weekend, a properly registered striped
bass permit for the next quota year or any part of its associated allocation
may be temporarily transferred to a commercial tidal fish licensee[:
(i) May complete up to four transactions where a permit or a
portion of their allocation is temporarily transferred from the permittee to
another commercial tidal fish licensee; and
(ii) May receive any number of transfers].
(b) During the quota year, [a
commercial tidal fish licensee may only temporarily transfer] a properly
registered striped bass permit or any
associated allocation may be
transferred only:
(i)—(ii) (text unchanged)
(c) An individual without a [valid] properly registered striped
bass permit may not receive a transfer of allocation unless the individual also
receives a [valid]
properly registered striped bass permit in the transfer.
(d) A commercial tidal fish licensee may not receive an allocation
transfer when the licensee possesses [1.5] 2
percent or more of the total commercial quota for the Chesapeake Bay fisheries.
(5) Atlantic Fishery.
(a) Prior to the start of the quota year, during the period July 15
through September 15, or the next business day if September 15 falls on a
weekend, a properly registered striped
bass permit for the next quota year or any part of its associated allocation
may be temporarily transferred to a commercial tidal fish licensee [may temporarily transfer:
(i) Allocation to another striped bass permittee;
(ii) A permit or permits to a commercial tidal fish licensee; or
(iii) Both allocation and a permit or permits to a commercial tidal
fish licensee].
(b) During the quota year, a [commercial
tidal fish licensee may only temporarily transfer a] properly registered striped
bass permit or any associated
allocation may be transferred only:
(i)—(ii) (text unchanged)
(c) An individual without a [valid] properly registered striped
bass permit may not receive a transfer of allocation unless the individual also
receives a [valid]
properly registered striped bass permit in the transfer.
(d)—(e) (text unchanged)
(6)—(8) (text unchanged)
G. Permanent Transfers.
(1) A [commercial tidal
fish licensee] properly registered striped bass permit may be permanently [transfer
a striped bass permit] transferred by the owner of the permit
if:
(a) The [commercial
tidal fish licensee] owner makes application to the
Department requesting transfer;
[(b) The transferor is
authorized to harvest striped bass in the current quota year;]
[(c)](b)—[(e)](d) (text unchanged)
(2) [A commercial tidal
fish licensee] The owner of a properly registered striped bass permit may
permanently transfer:
(a) A striped bass permit without transferring the [licensee's] owner’s tidal fish
license;
(b) The [licensee's] owner’s
share, or any portion of that share, without transferring the [licensee's] owner’s tidal fish
license or striped bass permit;
(c) A striped bass permit and a portion of the [licensee's] owner’s share without transferring the [licensee's] owner’s tidal fish
license, so long as the [licensee] owner
retains at least one striped bass permit; or
(d) The [licensee's] owner’s
share and all striped bass permits, along with the [licensee's] owner’s tidal fish license.
(3) Prior to the quota year, a permanent transfer of a [licensee's] share or any portion of that share may only be completed from
July 15 through September 15, or the next business day if September 15 falls on
a weekend.
(4) (text unchanged)
(5) During the quota year, a permanent transfer of a [licensee's] share or any portion of that share may be completed only:
(a)—(b) (text unchanged)
(6)—(7) (text unchanged)
(8) A commercial tidal
fish licensee registered in the Atlantic Ocean fishery may not receive a share
in a permanent transfer that would result in the transferee possessing more
than 5 percent of the commercial quota for the Atlantic Ocean fishery.
(9)—(13) (text unchanged)
H. (text unchanged)
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural
Resources
Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Subtitle 04 BOATING
08.04.03 Certificate of Boat
Number
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§[8-704[(c)] 8-704,
8-710.2, 8-712, and 8-712.1, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-291-P]
The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to amend Regulations .05—.08
under COMAR 08.04.03 Certificate of Boat Number.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to
establish the ability for the Department to revoke a certificate of
number that has been issued to a vessel that has been modified in such a way
that it is no longer a vessel. The Department has the ability to revoke
licenses in other contexts, such as hunting and fishing licenses. By creating
the ability to revoke a certificate of number for a vessel, the Department will
be aligning these abilities in its various regulatory contexts. If the
Department revokes a certificate of number, the Department will follow the same
procedures it currently follows in the hunting and fishing license context.
This means that the Department will provide notice to the individual of the
Departmental action through a Notice of Agency Action and the individual will
have an opportunity to appear at a hearing conducted in accordance with the
contested case procedures set forth in State Government Article, Title 10,
Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.01.04. The Department would
then have to show a hearing officer that its actions were appropriate and
lawful. If the hearing officer agreed that the action was appropriate and
lawful, the Department would be able to revoke the certificate of number. If
the individual instead were to show the hearing officer that the Department was
incorrect in its action, the Department would not revoke the certificate of
number.
Estimate of Economic Impact
I. Summary of Economic Impact. The proposed action could
have a negative economic impact on the Department of Natural Resources.
II. Types of Economic Impact.
|
Impacted Entity
|
Revenue
(R+/R-)
Expenditure
(E+/E-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
A. On issuing agency:
|
|
|
|
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
|
(E+)
|
Indeterminable
|
|
B. On other State agencies:
|
NONE
|
|
|
C. On local governments:
|
NONE
|
|
|
|
Benefit
(+)
Cost
(-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
D. On regulated industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
E. On other industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
F. Direct and indirect
effects on public:
|
NONE
|
|
III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number
from Section II.)
A. If the Department revokes a certificate of number, the
individual has the opportunity to appear at a hearing conducted in accordance
with the contested case procedures set forth in State Government Article, Title
10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.01.04. If the hearing
is conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings, the cost to the
Department for each hearing is $3,500. If the hearing is conducted by a
Departmental hearing officer, there would be no cost to the Department. Although
the expectation for revocations is very low, the actual impact is
indeterminable because we do not know how many hearings we will need to conduct
or where they would be held.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with
disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Boat
Number Regulations, Regulatory Staff, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-4, Annapolis, MD 21401, or
call 410-206-8300, or email to [email protected]
or complete the
comment form at
https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/Pages/regulations/changes_boating.aspx#cert.
Comments will be accepted through February 9, 2025.
A public
hearing has not been scheduled.
.05 Certificate of Number.
A.—D. (text unchanged)
E. Revocation.
(1) The Department may revoke a certificate of number issued
under this chapter if the vessel has
been altered in such a way that it is no longer eligible to be issued a
certificate of number.
(2) Prior to revoking
a certificate of number, the Department shall give the applicant notice of its
intended action and an opportunity to appear at a hearing conducted in
accordance with the contested case procedures set forth in State Government
Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.01.04.
.06 Notification to Department.
A person whose name appears as the owner of a vessel on a
certificate of number shall notify the issuing authority within 15 days of:
A.—C. (text unchanged)
D. The transfer of full or partial interest in the vessel; [and]
E. The destruction or abandonment of the vessel[.] ;
F. Any email address change;
or
G. The alteration of the
vessel in such a way that it is no longer eligible to be issued a certificate
of number.
.07 Removal of Number.
The person whose name appears on a certificate of number as the
owner of a vessel shall remove the number and validation sticker from the
vessel when the:
A. [The vessel] Vessel
is documented by the Coast Guard;
B. Certificate of number is invalid under [33 CFR §173.77(c) as amended]
Regulation .08 of this chapter; [or]
C. Vessel is no longer principally used in the state where the
certificate was issued[.] ;
or
D. Certificate of number has
been revoked.
.08 Validity of Certificate of Number.
A. A certificate of number issued by the Department is invalid
after the date when the:
(1) Vessel is documented or required to be documented under 46 CFR
§67 as amended; [or]
(2) [The person] Person
whose name appears on the certificate of number as owner of the vessel,
transfers all of his ownership of the vessel; or
(3) [The vessel] Vessel
is destroyed or abandoned.
B. A certificate of number issued by the Department is invalid if the:
(1) [The application] Application
for the certificate of number contains a false or fraudulent statement; [or]
(2) [The fees] Fees
for the issuance of the certificate of number are not paid[.]
; or
(3) Certificate of
number has been revoked.
C.—D. (text unchanged)
JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural
Resources
Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Subtitle 12 DIVISION OF LABOR AND
INDUSTRY
09.12.57 International Green
Construction Code
Authority: Public Safety Article, §12-503(d), Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-301-P-I]
The Secretary of Labor proposes to amend Regulation .02
under COMAR 09.12.57 International Green Construction Code.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to update the existing International
Green Construction Code (IgCC) to the current version per Public Safety
Article, §12-503(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Mischelle F Vanreusel, Deputy Commissioner,
Division of Labor and Industry, 10946 Golden West Drive, Suite 160, or call
410-767-2225, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be
accepted through February 9, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Editor’s Note on Incorporation by Reference
Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-207, Annotated Code of
Maryland, the 2024 International Green Construction Code (IgCC),
International Code Council, has been declared a document generally available to
the public and appropriate for incorporation by reference. For this reason, it
will not be printed in the Maryland Register or the Code of Maryland
Regulations (COMAR). Copies of this document are filed in special public
depositories located throughout the State. A list of these depositories was
published in 52:2 Md. R. 53 (January 24, 2025), and is available online at
www.dsd.maryland.gov. The document may also be inspected at the office of the
Division of State Documents, 16 Francis Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
.02 Incorporation by Reference.
The [2021] 2024 International Green
Construction Code (IgCC), International Code Council, as amended in this
chapter, is incorporated by reference.
PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor
Subtitle 15 STATE BOARD OF HEATING,
VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION CONTRACTORS
09.15.05 Compliance with
International Mechanical Code
Authority: Business Regulation Article, §§9A-205(a)(1) and (2) and
9A-310(a)(1)(iii), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-304-P]
The State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Contractors proposes to amend Regulation .01 and repeal existing
Regulations .02—.03 under COMAR 09.10.03 Compliance with
International Mechanical Code. This
action was considered at a public meeting of the State Board of Heating,
Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors held on April 9,
2025.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to update the mechanical codes
adopted by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Contractors.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Charles Marquette, Executive Director,
Mechanical Unit, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland Department of Labor,
100 South Charles Street, Tower 1, Suite 3300, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call
410-230-6160, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be
accepted through February 9, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Open Meeting
Final action on the proposal will be considered by the State Board
of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors during
a public meeting to be held on February 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., at Maryland
Department of Labor,100 South Charles Street, Tower 1, Suite 3300, Baltimore,
MD 21201.
.01 Incorporation by Reference.
A. In this chapter, the [following] documents set forth
in §B of this regulation are [incorporated by reference:] adopted.
B. In compliance with Business Occupations and Professions
Article, §§12-101(p) and 12-205(a), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board
adopts the most recent version of the following Codes as they may be amended,
modified, or updated from time to time:
(1) [2018] International Mechanical Code
(International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Ave., N.W., 6th Floor, Washington,
D.C. 20001), which has been incorporated by reference in COMAR
09.12.50.02-1B(5), [except as modified by Regulation .02 of this chapter];
and
(2) [2018] International Residential Code for One-
and Two-Family Dwellings (International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Ave.,
N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001), which has been incorporated by
reference in COMAR 09.12.50.02-1B(4) and 09.12.51.04A(2) except Chapters
1—11 and 25—44.
[B.] C. (text unchanged)
WINFIELD JONES
Chair, Board of Heating,
Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors
Subtitle 19 COMMISSION OF REAL ESTATE
APPRAISERS, APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, AND HOME INSPECTORS — REAL ESTATE
APPRAISERS
09.19.02 Educational
Requirements
Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-216,
16-220, 16-302(g), 16-308, 16-309, and
16-5A-01, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-297-P]
The Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management
Companies, and Home Inspectors proposes to amend Regulation .04 under COMAR
09.19.04.02 Educational Requirements.
This action was considered at a public meeting of the Commission of Real
Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors held on
October 14, 2025, notice of which was given by posting on the Commission of
Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors'
website, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-302(c)(3)(ii), Annotated
Code of Maryland.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to comply with revised requirements
for appraiser continuing education mandated by the Appraisal Qualifications
Board, the federal agency with oversight of all state real estate appraisal
licensing programs.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with
disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Todd Blackistone, Executive Directo,
Department of Labor, Department of Labor 100 S. Charles St., Tower 1, Suite
3300, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6165, or email to
[email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9,
2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Open Meeting
Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Commission
of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors
during a public meeting to be held on February 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., at
Department of Labor 100 S. Charles St., Tower 1, Suite 3300, Baltimore, MD
21201.
.04 Continuing Education.
A. Renewal Requirements.
(1)—(4) (text unchanged)
B. Required Subject Matter for Continuing Education .
(1) (text unchanged)
(a)(text unchanged)
(b) Effective [November 1, 2023]
January 1, 2026 for licenses and certificates expiring on or after January
31, 2026:
(i)
Any existing licensed appraiser, certified appraiser, and appraiser
trainee shall successfully complete an 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing
Laws and Regulations course that includes a 1-hour examination.
(ii) [any]
Any
currently licensed appraiser, certified appraiser, and appraiser trainee
applying for license or certificate renewal shall successfully complete during
the preceding 3-year license cycle a [minimum
of 3 hours of appraisal
education related to racial discrimination and implicit bias] 4-hour
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course.
R. SEAN TROXELL
Chairman Commission of Real Estate Appraisers,
Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors
Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle
09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS
10.09.33 Health Homes
Authority: Health-General
Article, §§2-104(b), 7.5-204, 7.5-205(d), 7.5-402, 8-204(c),15-103(a)(1), and
15-105(b), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed
Action
[25-280-P]
The Secretary of Health
proposes to amend Regulations .01, .04, and .06—.09 under COMAR
10.09.33 Health Homes.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action
is to:
(1) Change references from
the eMedicaid system to the Administrative Services Organization system as the
operation system of record through which providers report services, measure
outcomes, and submit claims for health home services; and
(2) Update limitations to
promulgate existing reimbursement policies currently provided in subregulatory
guidance.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Jordan Fisher Blotter, Director, Office of
Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of Health, 201 West
Preston Street, Room 534 Baltimore, Maryland 21201, or call 410-767-0938, or
email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through January 26,
2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.01 Definitions.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Terms Defined.
(1) “Administrative service organization (ASO)” [means the
entity with which the Mental Health Administration may contract to provide the
services described in COMAR 10.67.08 for the public mental health system.]
has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.59.01.
(2) “ASO system” means the electronic system available to
providers which the ASO utilizes to manage Maryland’s Public Behavioral Health
System as defined in COMAR 10.09.59.01
[(2)] (3)—[(6)] (7) (text
unchanged)
[(7) “eMedicaid” means the health information system in
which a health home provider will input information regarding participants
services and health and social outcomes.]
(8)—(9) (text unchanged)
(10) [“HIT” means health information technology.] “Health
Information Technology (HIT)” means electronic systems equipped for the
exchange of health data to link services, facilitate communication between
health team members and individuals and family caregivers, and enable quality
reporting and the review of health outcomes.
(11)—(12) (text unchanged)
(13) “Mental health case management” means services covered under
COMAR 10.09.45 and COMAR 10.09.90 which assist participants in gaining
access to the full range of mental health services, and necessary medical,
social, financial assistance, counseling, educational, housing, and other
support services.
(14)—(19) (text unchanged)
.04 Conditions for Health
Home Provider Participation.
To be eligible as a health home, a provider shall:
A.—O. (text unchanged)
P. Agree to participate in federal and State-required evaluation
activities, including:
(1) Using [eMedicaid or another Department-approved health
information tool that feeds into eMedicaid] the ASO system to:
(a) [Input information related to] Submit
encounters documenting participants’ services [and health] at
least monthly;
(b)—(c) (text unchanged)
(2) (text unchanged)
.06 Covered Services.
A.—B. (text unchanged)
C. Care Coordination and Health Promotion.
(1)—(7) (text unchanged)
(8) The health home shall use [eMedicaid] the ASO
system to document, review, and report health promotion services delivered
to each participant.
D.—G. (text unchanged)
H. Use of HIT to Link Services. The provider shall use HIT,
including CRISP and [eMedicaid] the ASO system, to:
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
I. (text unchanged)
.07 Health Home Participant Flow.
A. Enrollment.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) During enrollment, an OTP established as a health home shall
identify eligible individuals under the OTP’s care and report the diagnoses
related to qualifying risk factors set forth in Regulation .03A(2)(b) of this
chapter in [eMedicaid] the ASO system.
(3)—(4) (text unchanged)
(5) Following consent to participate in accordance with §A(4) of
this regulation, the health home shall complete the individual's online [eMedicaid]
intake report through the ASO system thereby enrolling the individual
into the health home.
(6) (text unchanged)
B. Participation.
(1) A health home participant shall receive a minimum of two health
home services per month, as defined in [eMedicaid] in
Regulation .06 of this chapter and to be documented in [eMedicaid]
the ASO system.
(2) (text unchanged)
C. Discharge.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) The health home shall report all discharges and completion of
discharge plans in [eMedicaid] the ASO system.
.08 Limitations.
A.—B. (text unchanged)
C. [A health home may not bill the Department for:] The
Department may not reimburse the health home provider for:
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Activities delivered as part of institutional discharge
planning that are not comprehensive transitional care services delivered by the
health home; [or]
(4) A participant’s health home monthly rate more than once per
month[.];
(5) A participant’s health home monthly rate when the intake
encounter is utilized by the provider as one of the two required monthly
service encounters;
(6) A participant’s health home monthly rate when the provider
counts two encounters as having the same date of service, unless:
(a) The modality of the two encounters is different because one
was an individual encounter and one was a group encounter; or
(b) The encounters are distinguishable by both the time at which
they were rendered and the subject matter discussed; or
(7) The health home monthly rate when the two required services
were both rendered as group services.
D. The Department may not reimburse for monthly health home
services unless the individual receiving health home services:
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Has received a minimum of two health home services in the
stated month that has been documented in [eMedicaid] the ASO
system.
E.—F. (text unchanged)
.09 Payment Procedures.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Request for Payment.
(1) The health home provider is authorized to bill for the intake
and ongoing monthly rate for a participant when:
(a) (text unchanged)
(b) The intake portion of the participant's [eMedicaid]
ASO system file has been submitted and initial services have been
delivered.
(2) After completing the required health home service provision
reporting in [eMedicaid] the ASO system, the health home
provider shall, within 30 days from the end of the month during which health
home services were provided, submit a request for payment for all participants
who received two health home services during that month.
(3) (text unchanged)
C. (text unchanged)
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health
Subtitle 35 [POSTMORTEM
EXAMINERS COMMISSION] OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-288-P]
The Secretary of Health proposes to:
(1) Amend Regulations .01—.03, .06, .08, .11—.14,
.16, and .18—.20 under COMAR 10.35.01 Medical Examiner Cases; and
(2) Repeal existing Regulations .01—.09 under COMAR
10.35.02 Testing Blood and Breath for Alcohol.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to update COMAR 10.35 as a result of
the State’s Regulatory Review and Evaluation Action. This action ensures that
the regulations governing the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
remain accurate, consistent with statutory authority, and reflective of current
practices. The review process identified a series of minor statutory updates,
language clarifications, and editorial corrections necessary to modernize
terminology, align definitions with statute, and reinforce agency authority.
Several regulations required amendments to update statutory citations, clarify
reporting responsibilities, and revise outdated terminology. Additionally, this
action proposes to repeal COMAR 10.35.02 in its entirety in accordance with SB216
(2022), as the statutory responsibility for this function was transferred to
the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division. This repeal will
eliminate outdated provisions, reduce regulatory redundancy, and ensure that
the regulations reflect the current scope of OCME’s statutory authority.
Overall, these revisions are technical in nature and do not create new
regulatory requirements, alter existing policies, or impose additional
obligations on local health departments, small businesses, or other regulated
entities. The intent of this action is to maintain clarity, transparency, and
statutory alignment while preserving the operational integrity of the Office of
the Chief Medical Examiner’s mandate under State law.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with
disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Jordan Fisher Blotter, Director, Office of
Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of Health, 201 West
Preston Street, Room 534, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, or call 410-767-0938, or
email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9,
2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
10.35.01 Medical Examiner Cases
Authority: Estates and Trusts Article, §4-509; Health General
Article, §§5-301 et seq.[, and 18-213]; Annotated Code of Maryland
.01 Definitions.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Terms Defined.
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) “Forensic investigator” means a chief forensic investigator,
deputy chief forensic investigator, lead forensic investigator, or forensic
investigator who:
(a) Is employed under or appointed by the authority of the [Postmortem
Examiners Commission] Maryland Department of Health;
(b)—(d) (text unchanged)
(4) Medical Examiner.
(a) “Medical examiner” means a Chief Medical Examiner, Deputy Chief
Medical Examiner, or assistant medical examiner who is a pathologist authorized
to carry out the provisions of Health-General Article, [§5–301] §5-308,
Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b) “Medical examiner” also means a deputy medical examiner who:
(i)—(ii) (text unchanged)
(iii) Is appointed by the [Postmortem Examiners Commission]
Maryland Department of Health in accordance with Health-General Article,
§§5-305 and 5-306, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(5) Medical Examiner Case.
(a) “Medical examiner case" means any death which [is
the result, wholly or in part, of a casualty or accident, homicide, poisoning,
suicide, criminal abortion, rape, therapeutic misadventure, drowning, or a
death of a suspicious or unusual nature, or of an apparently healthy individual
while not under the care of a physician] occurs as described in
Health-General Article, §5-308(a), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b) (text unchanged)
(6) “Procurement organization” has the meaning stated in Estates
and Trusts Article, §4-501, Annotated Code of Maryland.
[(6)] (7) (text unchanged)
.02 Report of Medical Examiner Cases to the Police or Sheriff.
A. Whenever a physician, funeral director, or other person has
knowledge [of the occurrence] of a death that [may have
been the result of violence or suicide, or may have occurred by casualty or
suddenly when the person was in apparent health, or not attended by a
physician, or when the death may have occurred in any suspicious or unusual
manner] may fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner in accordance with Health-General Article, §5-308(a),
Annotated Code of Maryland, the physician, funeral director, or other
person having this knowledge shall report it without delay to the police or
sheriff law enforcement agency who has jurisdiction in the city or county where
the death occurred.
B. [If it is determined that a death occurred at a location
other than where the body is found or where the body is located when the
medical examiner is advised of the death and the other location is not a public
area, the] The medical examiner or forensic investigator may, in
conjunction with law enforcement or under court authority, investigate any
location believed to be associated with the a death to gather essential facts
to determine cause or manner of death.
C. A health care facility may not refuse the medical examiner
access to a body which is the subject of a medical examiner [case]
investigation at any time.
.03 Medical Examiner.
[An individual dying] Any death in accordance with
Health-General Article, §5-308(a), Annotated Code of Maryland, in the State [due
to a homicide, poisoning, suicide,
accident, intoxication, criminal abortion, rape, drowning, or dying in
occurring in a suspicious or unusual manner, or an unattended death of an
apparently healthy individual] shall be investigated and
examined by the medical examiner in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in
Baltimore, or in any other place as may be approved by the Chief Medical
Examiner.
.06 Establishing a Hospital Death as a Medical Examiner Case.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Cases [which are not bona fide cases] that do
not fall under medical examiner jurisdiction may not be made such and
will not be accepted simply because hospital autopsy permission has been
refused or is not available.
C. [Authentic medical examiner cases] Cases that
fall under medical examiner jurisdiction may not be [withheld from
the medical examiner's jurisdiction and] autopsied by the hospital
pathologist because [permission] consent for autopsy has
been obtained in accordance with Health-General Article, §5-501, Annotated
Code of Maryland.
.08 The Hospital Agent.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Responsibilities.
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Preliminary Hospital Reports. The hospital agent designated in
accordance with Regulation .08 of this chapter shall submit promptly to the
medical examiner, for each medical examiner case, the following information:
(a)—(c) (text unchanged)
(d) Diagnosis, if made; [and]
(e) Place, date, time, and manner of accident, or violence, if any,
and other information that the Medical Examiner may request[.];
(f) Next-of-Kin, if known, as an attempt of a reasonable search
effort; and
(g) If any evidence is recovered during therapeutic
intervention, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shall be notified.
(4)—(6) (text unchanged)
.11 [Cornea] Tissue
[Removal] Recovery.
Whenever an authorized [eye bank] organ and tissue
procurement organization has informed the Chief Medical Examiner or the
Chief Medical Examiner's deputy or assistant medical examiner that there is a
need for [corneal] tissue for research or transplantation, the
Chief Medical Examiner shall allow the authorized [eye bank] organ
and tissue procurement organization to make a [removal] recovery
if:
A. [A Certification of Need] Proper authorization
has been provided to the medical examiner;
B.—D. (text unchanged)
.12 Donation of Internal
Organs for Transplantation.
A. Whenever there is an immediate need for an internal organ as a
transplant, that is, heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, lymph nodes,
or adrenal gland, a medical examiner may provide the organ, if requested by a
transplant surgeon, under the following conditions:
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) The hospital representative and treating physician have [completed
a Certificate of Need] obtained proper authorization for this
decedent;
(4) [The hospital and treating physician have been unable to
contact the next of kin] A reasonable, unsuccessful search has been
made by the procurement organization as required by Estates and Trusts Article,
§4–512(f), Annotated Code of Maryland;
(5)—(6) (text unchanged)
B. (text unchanged)
C. Whenever a decedent is determined to have died by some violent
means, the medical examiner may not authorize removal of the requested organs
without [direct supervision of] observation by the
medical examiner or the medical examiner's agent.
.13 Administrative Review
of Correction of Findings and Conclusions.
A. Except in a case of a finding of homicide, a person in interest
as defined in [State Government Article, §10-611(e)(3), Annotated Code
of Maryland] General Provisions Article, §4-101, Annotated
Code of Maryland, may request the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to
correct findings and conclusions on the cause and manner of death recorded on a
certificate of death under [State Government Article, §10-625], General
Provisions Article, §4-502, Annotated Code of Maryland within [60]
180 days after a medical examiner files those findings and conclusions in
accordance with Health-General Article, §5-309(d), Annotated Code of Maryland.
B. A person in interest [is defined as the spouse, adult
child, parent, adult sibling, grandparent, or guardian of the person of the
deceased at the time of the deceased's death], has the meaning stated
in General Provisions Article, §4-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
C.—L. (text unchanged)
.14 Release of Medical
Examiner’s Records.
A. Individual files of the Chief Medical Examiner are confidential
medical records protected from disclosure under the provisions of [State
Government Article, §4-301 and 10-611 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland]
Health-General Article, §4-301, Annotated Code of Maryland, and General
Provisions Article, §§4-329 et. seq., Annotated Code of Maryland.
B. An exception to these confidential medical records is the
official medical examiner's autopsy report. This report is a public record and
is generally subject to disclosure under [State Government Article,
§§10-611 et seq. Annotated Code of Maryland,] General Provisions
Article, §4-329, Annotated Code of Maryland, unless the case is
subject to an ongoing investigation, or other appropriate reason for denial of
disclosure exists.
C. (text unchanged)
D. Fee Schedule.
(1) Autopsy reports may be sent electronically to the requestor.
The fees schedule is the same for paper or electronic reports and is as
follows:
(a) [A] No fee [of $25]
for a first-degree relative, as defined by COMAR 10.35.01.01B [may
be charged]; and
(b) A fee of [$100] $50 for all others may be
charged for providing a requested autopsy report [and included
consultation reports].
(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Photographs are copied electronically. There is a $50
processing fee for each [CD] digital record, plus $5 per
each image copied. X-rays and CT scans are copied electronically. There is a
$50 processing fee for each [CD] digital record, plus $25
per X-ray.
(4) Slides are copied electronically. There is a $50 processing fee
for each [CD] digital record, plus $20 for each image
copied. Slides may be viewed in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
facility at a rate of $200 for the first hour and $50 for every 15 minute
increment thereafter, partial or whole. The reviewer will have access to the
medical examiner during the review.
(5) (text unchanged)
(6) If any or all of the items listed in §D of this regulation are
requested in digital format [(CD or DVD)], an additional
fee of $60 shall apply.
(7) (text unchanged)
E. (text unchanged)
.16 Child Abuse or Neglect,
or Both.
A death that is investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical
Examiner that is found to be caused by or related to child abuse or neglect
shall be reported by a medical examiner orally and in writing to local
departments of social services and the local law enforcement agency of the [subdivision]
jurisdiction in which the child last resided, in accordance with Family
Law Article, §5-704, Annotated Code of Maryland.
.18 Deaths in a
State-Funded or State-Operated Facility.
A. A death in a State-funded or State-operated facility which
constitutes a medical examiner's case, as defined in [Health-General
Article, §5-309, Annotated Code of Maryland] Health-General Article,
§5-308, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall be investigated by the Office of
the Chief Medical Examiner.
B. (text unchanged)
C. Completion of Investigation Report.
(1)—(2) (text unchanged)
(3) Required Contents of Report. The report of the administrative
head of a facility where the death occurred shall contain all the information
set out in [Health-General Article, §10-714] §10-713,
Annotated Code of Maryland] Health-General Article, §10-713,
Annotated Code of Maryland. The report:
(a)—(b) (text unchanged)
(4) The report of the investigation by the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner constitutes an individual file of the Chief Medical Examiner
not subject to disclosure under [State Government Article, §10-611 et
seq., Annotated Code of Maryland] General Provisions Article, §4-101
et seq, Annotated Code of Maryland.
.19 Deputy Medical
Examiners/Forensic Investigators.
A. The [Postmortem Examiners Commission] Chief
Medical Examiner shall appoint one or more deputy medical examiners and
forensic investigators for each county.
B. The [Postmortem Examiners Commission shall] Chief
Medical Examiner may appoint a deputy medical examiner from a list of
qualified individuals submitted by the county medical society. However, the [Commission]
Chief Medical Examiner may appoint a deputy medical examiner for
the county without a list if there is no county medical society or if the
medical society does not submit a list of names.
C.—D. (text unchanged)
E. Entitled Fees.
(1) As provided in the State budget, for each medical examiner’s
case investigated, the deputy medical examiner or forensic investigator is
entitled to a fee of [$120] $150.
(2) If the case does not meet the requirements of Health-General
Article, [§5-309] §5-308, Annotated Code of Maryland, and
is declined, the deputy medical examiner or forensic investigator is entitled
to a decline fee of [$10] $12.50.
(3) (text unchanged)
.20 Body Transportation
Reimbursement.
A.—D. (text unchanged)
E. Human remains shall be accorded the proper dignity expected
under accepted mortuary standards and practices, and shall be handled in
accordance with [universal] standard precautions as
defined [in "Control of Communicable Diseases in Man", which
is incorporated by reference in COMAR 10.06.01.01 as well as] by
COMAR 10.06.01.02B and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner guidelines
to protect remains and evidence.
F. (text unchanged)
MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PhD
Secretary of Health
Title 13A
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Subtitle 03 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL
PROGRAMS
13A.03.08 Students at Risk for
Reading Difficulties
Authority: Education Article, §4-136(i), Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-082-R]
The State Board of Education proposes to repeal existing
Regulations .01—.08 and adopt new Regulations .01—.07 under COMAR
13A.03.08 Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties. Because substantive
changes have been made to the original proposal as published in 52:14 Md.R.
783—785 (July 11, 2025), this action is being reproposed at this time. This
action was considered by the State Board of Education at its November 4, 2025
meeting.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to enhance clarity, strengthen
accountability, and ensure alignment with current best practices in reading
instruction.
Estimate of Economic Impact
I. Summary of Economic Impact. The proposed amendments to
COMAR 13A.03.08 expand upon the statutory requirements already outlined in
Education Article, §§2-205 and 4-136, Annotated Code of Maryland, passed under
the Ready to Read Act. The law requires screening of students for reading
difficulties and provision of supplemental instruction.
All 24 local education agencies (LEAs) are already implementing
core components of the statute—including screening, intervention, and
reporting. These proposed amendments clarify expectations, strengthen
accountability, and align implementation with Maryland’s Comprehensive PK-3
Literacy Policy.
The economic impact will vary by LEA, depending on their existing
resources and procedures. All LEAs are required to use a screening instrument
from the State-approved list to ensure consistency and equity across the State.
As a result, LEAs currently using a non-approved instrument must adopt a new
one, which may lead to moderate increases in local expenditures for procurement
and staff training. However, districts already using approved tools and
evidence-based instructional models will experience minimal additional cost.
State and federal funds—including Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Literacy
Grants and the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant—are
available to offset implementation costs.
II. Types of Economic Impact.
|
Impacted Entity
|
Revenue
(R+/R-)
Expenditure
(E+/E-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
A. On issuing agency:
|
|
|
|
Maryland State Department of Education
|
(E+)
|
Moderate
|
|
B. On other State agencies:
|
NONE
|
|
|
C. On local governments:
|
|
|
|
Local Education Agencies
|
(E+)
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Benefit
(+)
Cost
(-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
D. On regulated industries or
trade groups:
|
|
|
|
Education Vendors
|
(+)
|
Moderate
|
|
E. On other industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
F. Direct and indirect
effects on public:
|
|
|
|
Students
|
(+)
|
None
|
III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number
from Section II.)
A. MSDE will provide updated technical assistance, guidance, and
tools (e.g., screener approval list, templates for reading improvement plans).
Most of this work will be supported through existing general and federal
literacy funds.
C. Local Education Agencies already conduct reading screening and
interventions. LEAs using non-approved screeners will need to adopt new ones,
and some may require training or system updates. Costs will be partially offset
by the federal CLSD grant.
D. Vendors of MSDE-approved screening tools, MTSS systems, and
evidence-based reading interventions may see increased demand as LEAs align
with clarified regulatory requirements.
F. Students, particularly those with reading difficulties, benefit
from earlier and more consistent identification and support. Families gain
transparency and opportunities to collaborate in intervention planning.
Educational equity across districts is improved.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has an impact on individuals with disabilities
as follows:
The amendments ensure that students with disabilities receive
equitable access to screening and intervention. IEP teams must use diagnostic
information to inform reading support decisions, and the regulation may not
delay or deny evaluation under IDEA.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Dr. Chelsea Brewer, Executive Director of
Literacy Programs and Initiatives, Maryland State Department of Education, 200
West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-205-1378, or email to
[email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9, 2026.
A public hearing has not been scheduled.
|
Ed. Note: Pursuant to State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated
Code of Maryland, if a promulgating agency substantively alters the text of
regulations that have been previously proposed in the Maryland Register, the
altered text must be published in the Maryland Register as though it were
initially proposed. The text of regulations appearing immediately below has
been altered substantively from the initially proposed text.
|
|
Symbols: Roman
type indicates existing text of regulations. Italic type indicates
initially proposed new text. Arial Bold
Italic type
indicates new text that substantively alters the text as initially proposed.
[Single brackets] indicate existing text proposed for repeal. [[[Triple
brackets]]] indicate text proposed for deletion which substantively alters
the originally proposed text.
|
.05 Screening Data and Supplemental
Reading Instruction.
A.—H. (originally
proposed text unchanged)
I. Student Reading
Improvement Plan.
(1)—(2) (originally
proposed text unchanged)
(3) The student reading
improvement plan shall be documented on a template [[[provided]]] that meets the requirements set
by the Department [[[and]]] to include:
(a) The evidence-based
reading intervention program the student will receive to remedy the reading
deficit;[[[and]]]
(b) The necessary
frequency and intensity of interventions to remediate the identified areas of
need and accelerate learning[[[.]]];
and
(c) A description of how the student
will receive intensive reading intervention until the student no longer
demonstrates difficulty in reading as determined by the LEA’s approved system
of assessment.
(4)—(5) (originally
proposed text unchanged)
J. (originally
proposed text unchanged)
K. Students with an
IEP.
(1)—(2) (originally
proposed text unchanged)
[[[(2)]]](3)
(originally proposed text unchanged)
CAREY M. WRIGHT, ED.D.
State Superintendent of
Schools
Subtitle 04 SPECIFIC SUBJECTS
13A.04.18 Program in
Comprehensive Health Education
Authority: Education Article, §§2-205(c) and (h), 4-111.2, 7-205.2,
7-401, 7-410, 7-411, 7-411.1, 7-413, 7-439, and 7-445, Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Proposed Action
[25-293-P]
The State Board of Education proposes to amend Regulation .01
under COMAR 13A.04.18 Program in Comprehensive Health Education. This action was considered by the State Board
of Education at their November 4, 2025 meeting.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action is to
align these regulations with the national health education standards.
Estimate of Economic Impact
I. Summary of Economic Impact. The economic impact will vary
across local education agencies based on the proposed amendments to COMAR
13A.04.18. Maryland’s 24 local education agencies are required to provide
teachers with comprehensive health education curriculum guides and courses of
study for schools in their jurisdiction. To the extent that they must be
updated, the expenditures can be completed using existing resources.
II. Types of Economic Impact.
|
Impacted Entity
|
Revenue
(R+/R-)
Expenditure
(E+/E-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
A. On issuing agency:
|
|
|
|
Maryland State Department of Education
|
(E+)
|
Minimal
|
|
B. On other State agencies:
|
NONE
|
|
|
C. On local governments:
|
|
|
|
Local Education Agencies
|
(E+)
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Benefit
(+)
Cost
(-)
|
Magnitude
|
|
D. On regulated industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
E. On other industries or
trade groups:
|
NONE
|
|
|
F. Direct and indirect
effects on public:
|
|
|
|
Students and Families
|
(+)
|
High,
long-term
|
|
|
|
|
III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number
from Section II.)
A. MSDE will provide updated technical assistance, guidance, and
tools. This work will be supported through existing funds.
C. In alignment with COMAR 13A.04.18 and the State Framework for
Comprehensive Health Education, Maryland’s local education agencies (LEAs) must
procure and/or develop comprehensive health education curricula and
instructional programs. Costs will vary based on the extent to which their
programs will need to be updated and can likely be absorbed with existing
funds.
F. Students, families, and communities benefit from a planned and
sequential comprehensive health education framework that promotes equitable
access to high-quality instruction and supports the development of the
knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for lifelong health and
well-being. The revised framework aligns with Maryland’s commitment to
educating the whole child by providing all students with opportunities to
strengthen health-enhancing behaviors, delay or avoid engagement in risky
behaviors, and apply health literacy skills to make informed decisions that
positively impact themselves and their communities.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has an impact on individuals with disabilities
as follows:
The amendments enhance opportunities for students with disabilities
by providing educators with age-appropriate, scientifically based, medically
accurate, and data-driven guidance. These updates ensure that all students have
access to developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, and skills-based health
education that promotes healthy behaviors, supports informed decision-making,
and advances health literacy for lifelong well-being.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Jason Semanoff, Director of Comprehensive
Health and Physical Education, Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West
Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-0327, or email to
[email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9,
2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Open Meeting
Final action on the proposal will be considered by the State Board
of Education during a public meeting to be held on February 24, 2026 at 9:00
am, at 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
.01 Comprehensive
Health Education Instructional Programs for Grades Prekindergarten—12.
A.—B. (text
unchanged)
C. Comprehensive
Health Education Standards. All students will:
(1) [Students
will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to
enhance health, including] Use functional health information to
support the health and well-being of self and others, including:
(a) (text unchanged)
(b) Substance [abuse
prevention] use and misuse;
(c)—(d) (text
unchanged)
(e) [Healthy
eating] Nutrition; and
(f) Disease
prevention and control[.];
(2) [Students
will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and
other factors on health behaviors] Analyze influences that affect the
health and well-being of self and others;
(3) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to access valid information, products, and
services to enhance health] Access valid and reliable resources to
support the health and well-being of self and others;
(4) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to
enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks] Use interpersonal
communication skills to support the health and well-being of self and others;
(5) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health]
Use a decision-making process to support the health and well-being of self
and others;
(6) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health]
Use a goal-setting process to support the health and well-being of self and
others;
(7) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid
or reduce health risks] Demonstrate practices and behaviors to
support the health and well-being of self and others; and
(8) [Students
will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community
health] Advocate to promote the health and well-being of self and
others.
D. Special
Requirements.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) Family Life and
Human Sexuality.
(a)—(c) (text
unchanged)
(d) Direct teaching
of the family life and human sexuality indicators and objectives [will]
must begin [in or prior to the] by grade [5]
4.
(e)—(g) (text
unchanged)
(3)—(4) (text
unchanged)
E. Curriculum
Documents. Consistent with Education Article, §§2-205(h), 4-111.2, 7-205.2,
7-401, 7-410, 7-411, 7-411.1, 7-413, 7-439, and 7-445, Annotated Code of
Maryland, each local school system shall provide age-appropriate,
scientifically based, medically accurate, and data-driven comprehensive
health education curriculum documents for the elementary and secondary schools
under its jurisdiction that:
(1)—(2) (text
unchanged)
F. The local school
system shall develop guidelines and procedures for the selection of qualified
health education teachers. Qualifications shall include:
(1) Health Education [certification]
licensure as set forth in COMAR 13A.12.02; and
(2) (text unchanged)
G.—H. (text
unchanged)
CAREY M. WRIGHT, ED.D.
State Superintendent of
Schools
Title 17
DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT
Subtitle
04 PERSONNEL SERVICES AND BENEFITS
17.04.11 Leave
Authority: State Personnel
and Pensions Article, §§4-106 and 9-101, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed
Action
[25-269-P]
The Secretary of Budget
and Management proposes to adopt new Regulation .31 under COMAR
17.04.11 Leave.
Statement
of Purpose
The purpose of this action
is to comply with House Bill 1503, which:
(1) Repeals the existing
paid parental leave program for Executive Branch employees;
(2) Establishes new paid
family and medical leave (PFML) benefits for Executive Branch employees that
generally mirror the benefits available under the Family and Medical Leave
Insurance (FAMLI) Program; and
(3) Requires the Secretary
of Budget and Management or the governing body of a public institution of
higher education to adopt regulations governing PFML benefits, which include
conditions and procedures for requesting and approving PFML to the extent that
the regulations do not conflict with the bill. The bill applies to all State
employees, including temporary employees, in the Executive Branch. The bill
takes effect July 1, 2026.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has an impact on individuals with disabilities
as follows:
Paid Family Medical Leave provides employees with paid leave to
address various medical concerns.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Misty Whitaker, Director of Personnel
Services, Department of Budget and Management, 301 W. Preston Street Room 705,
Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-4718, or email to
[email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9,
2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
.31
Paid Family Medical Leave.
A. Scope. This
regulation applies to all employees, including temporary employees, of the
Executive Branch of State government, including any unit with an independent
personnel system.
B. Definitions.
(1) In this regulation, the following
terms have the meanings indicated.
(2) Defined Terms.
(a) “Active duty” has the meaning stated
in State Government Article, §9-901, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(b)“Application year” has the meaning
stated in State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of
Maryland.
(c)“Authorized representative” means a
person designated by a party to represent the party during the Department’s
dispute resolution process.
(d)“Complete application” means an
application submitted by an employee with all required supporting
documentation.
(e)“Department” means the Department of
Budget and Management.
(f)“Deployment” has the meaning stated in
State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(g)“Family member” has the meaning stated
in State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(h)“Next of kin” has the meaning stated in
29 CFR §825.102.
(i)“Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)”
means leave from work taken under State Personnel and Pensions Article,
§9-1004(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland, that is paid at the employee’s
regular rate of pay.
(j)“Qualifying exigency” has the meaning
stated in State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of
Maryland.
(k)“Qualifying purpose” means the purposes
set forth in State
Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1004(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(l)“Serious health condition” has the
meaning stated in State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code
of Maryland.
(m)“Service member” has the meaning stated
in State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(n)“Treatment” has the meaning stated in
State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1001, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(o) “Good cause” means a demonstration by
an employee that a failure to timely file a PFML application, revision,
reconsideration request, or appeal was due to:
(i) A serious health condition that
resulted in an unanticipated and prolonged period of incapacity and that
prevented the employee from filing in a timely manner;
(ii) A demonstrated inability to
reasonably access a means to file in a timely manner, such as due to a natural
disaster or power outage; or
(iii) A demonstrated failure of the
appointing authority or Department to provide notice of dispute resolution
procedures after the issuance of an adverse determination.
C. Notice to Employees. The Department
shall comply with the requirements as set forth in Labor and Employment Article,
§8.3-801(a), Annotated Code of Maryland.
D. Eligibility. An employee is
eligible for PFML in accordance with State Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1002, Annotated Code of
Maryland.
E. Job Protection and Retaliation. Agencies shall comply with the requirements as
set forth in Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-706 and 904, Annotated Code of
Maryland.
F. Amount
of Leave.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an employee shall not
receive more than 12 weeks of PFML in an application year.
(a) The employee may only receive payment for up to 480 hours at the
employee’s regular rate of pay.
(b) 480 hours is the maximum amount of paid PFML regardless of whether
the employee uses PFML for a continuous period of time, intermittently, or
combination.
(c) If a State employee holiday is observed during the employee's
continuous period of PFML, the State employee holiday will be counted toward
the employee's total amount of PFML.
(2) An employee may receive an additional
12 weeks of PFML as provided in State Personnel and
Pensions Article, §9-1005(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(a) The employee may only receive payment for up to 480 hours at the
employee’s regular rate of pay.
(b) 480 hours is the maximum amount of paid PFML regardless of whether
the employee uses PFML for a continuous period of time, intermittently, or
combination.
(c) If a State employee holiday is observed during the employee's
continuous period of PFML, the State employee holiday will be counted toward
the employee's total amount of PFML.
G. Use of Leave.
(1) An employee may request PFML only for
the purposes set forth in State
Personnel and Pensions Article, §9-1004(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) An employee may request PFML for only one qualifying purpose at a
time.
(3) Leave taken under this subtitle shall run concurrently with eligible
leave under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
(4) If PFML is to be taken on an intermittent schedule, the employee
shall:
(a) Request intermittent leave in increments of 4 hours or more;
(b) Make a reasonable effort to schedule
the intermittent leave in a manner that does not cause significant difficulty
or expense in relation to the resources and specific operations of the agency’s
operations; and
(c) Provide the agency with reasonable and
practicable prior notice of the reason, dates, and duration for which
intermittent leave is necessary.
(5) An employee who requires leave for a qualifying purpose while a
request for PFML is pending may use accrued annual, compensatory, sick, or
personnel leave, or request unpaid leave if the employee has no accrued leave.
(a) An employee who uses accrued leave for a qualifying purpose while a
request for PFML is pending will receive reimbursement of the used leave
retroactive to the approved start date of PFML if the employee’s request for
PFML is approved.
(b) An employee who is on unpaid leave
while a request for PFML is pending will receive PFML retroactive to the
approved start date of the PFML.
(6) Overpayment.
(a) If the employee receives an overpayment of PFML, the employee shall
reimburse the employee’s agency in the amount of the overpayment.
(b) If the employee fails to reimburse the employee’s agency for the
amount of the overpayment, the agency shall take collection action set forth in
COMAR 17.01.01.
H. Application for Leave.
(1) An employee may request PFML by submitting an application, on a form
prescribed by the Secretary, to the employee’s appointing authority or
appointing authority designee.
(a) If the need for leave is
not foreseeable, an application shall be submitted as soon as practicable,
which may be up to 60 days before the anticipated start date of the leave, but
not later than 60 days after the start date of the leave, unless good cause can
be shown.
(b) If the need for leave is foreseeable, an
appointing authority may require an employee to provide the appointing
authority with written notice of the employee’s intention to take leave at
least 30 days before the start date of leave.
(c) The employee’s appointing authority or
appointing authority designee may submit an application on behalf of an
employee if extenuating circumstances prevent the employee from submitting an
application.
(2) A request for PFML shall be accompanied by the documentation
required by the application and as specified in §H of this regulation.
(3) The employee’s appointing authority or
appointing authority designee shall render a decision on a request for PFML
within 5 working days after receiving a complete application.
(4) Incomplete Applications.
(a) An appointing authority or appointing authority designee shall not
render a decision on an incomplete application.
(b) An incomplete application will be returned to the employee.
(c) The requirement to render a decision within 5 working days as
specified in §(F)(3) of this regulation does not apply to an incomplete
application.
(5) Updating an Application.
(a) An employee shall update an application within 10 days, or as soon
as practicable with good cause shown, of any changes to the following
information provided on an application:
(i) Reason for leave;
(ii) Start date of leave;
(iii) Duration of leave;
(iv) End date of leave; or
(v) Whether the employee has begun to receive Workers’ Compensation.
(b) An employee’s failure to update a request for PFML with any changes
to the information provided on an application may result in a denial of the
employee’s application or result in the employee being responsible for any
overpayment.
I. Criteria for Reviewing Requests for Paid Family Medical Leave.
(1) An appointing authority may approve a request for PFML if the
employee has submitted a
complete application, with the required documentation; and
(a) Has not already exceeded the 12-week leave period; or
(b) Is qualified for an additional 12-week leave period set forth in State Personnel and Pensions
Article, §9-1005(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) A denial of an employee’s application for PFML by the appointing
authority or the appointing authority designee shall include the reason for the
denial in writing and the notice of dispute resolution procedures.
J. Documentation.
(1) An employee shall submit required documentation with the employee’s
application for PFML to the employee’s appointing authority or appointing
authority designee.
(2) An appointing authority or the Department may require employees to
attest that information provided in their applications is true to the best of
their knowledge.
(3) Documentation submitted with an application for PFML shall be
treated as confidential.
(a) Documentation shall be disclosed only to those individuals who need
to know its contents as part of the review, evaluation, approval,
reconsideration, or appeal process.
(b) An employee who fails to maintain the confidentiality of
documentation is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination.
(4) An employee requesting PFML to care for or bond with a child of the
employee shall provide:
(a) The first date on which the employee took or intends to take PFML
and whether the leave will, or is intended to be, taken for a continuous period
of time or intermittently; and
(b) Documentation of the birth or placement of the child with one of the
following:
(i) A certification of live birth;
(ii) Documentation of placement from a licensed child placement agency
or government agency responsible for child placement, and documentation of any
court appearances, appointments, or travel in anticipation of placement, if
applicable, including a court order or an affidavit of an informal kinship care
arrangement; or
(iii) Other reasonable documentation determined by the Department.
(5) An employee requesting PFML to care for a family member with a
serious health condition, shall include a statement of the employee’s
relationship to the family member and a complete certification form, provided
by the Department, from a licensed health care provider, establishing:
(a) The first date on which the employee intends to take or took PFML
and whether the leave will, or is intended to be, taken for a continuous period
of time or intermittently;
(b) Date of diagnosis;
(c) The date on which the serious health condition of the family member
commenced;
(d) The probable duration of the serious health condition;
(e) The appropriate facts related to the serious health condition within
the knowledge of the licensed health care provider;
(f) A statement that the employee needs to care for a family member and
an estimate of the amount of time required to provide the care; and
(g) If intermittent PFML leave is requested, the expected frequency and
duration of the intermittent PFML.
(6) An employee requesting PFML for the employee’s own serious health
condition, shall include a complete certification form, provided by the
Department, from a licensed health care provider, establishing:
(a) The first date on which the employee intends to take or took PFML
and whether the PFML will, or is intended to be, taken for a continuous period
of time or intermittently;
(b) The date on which the serious health condition of the employee
commenced;
(c) Treatment dates;
(d) Period of incapacity;
(e) The probable duration of the serious health condition;
(f) The appropriate facts related to the serious health condition within
the knowledge of the licensed health care provider;
(g) A statement that the employee is unable to perform the functions of
the employee’s position; and
(h) If intermittent PFML is requested, the expected frequency and
duration of the intermittent PFML.
(7) An application for PFML for a service member with a serious health
condition for whom the employee is next of kin, shall include a statement of
the employee’s next of kin relationship to the service member and a complete
certification form, provided by the Department, from a licensed health care
provider, establishing:
(a) That the serious health condition was caused, or exacerbated by,
military service;
(b) The first date on which the employee took or intends to take PFML
and whether the leave will, or is intended to be, taken for a continuous period
of time or intermittently;
(c) The date on which the serious health condition of the service member
commenced or was exacerbated;
(d) The probable duration of the serious health condition;
(e) The appropriate facts related to the serious health condition within
the knowledge of the licensed health care provider; and
(f) If intermittent PFML is requested, a statement that the employee
needs to care for a service member and the expected frequency and duration of
the intermittent PFML.
(8) An application for PFML for a qualifying exigency arising out of the
deployment of a service member who is a family member of the employee shall
include:
(a) A copy of the family member’s active duty orders or other
documentation issued by the military that indicates that the service member is
on active duty or called to active duty, and the dates of the service member’s
active duty status;
(b) The first date on which the employee took or intends to take PFML
and whether the leave will, or is intended to be, taken for a continuous period
of time or intermittently; and
(c) A statement of the employee’s family member relationship to the
service member.
K. Reconsideration.
(1) An employee or authorized representative may request reconsideration
of an appointing authority or appointing authority designee’s denial of PFML.
(2) A reconsideration request shall be in writing to the Department’s
Office of Personnel Services and Benefits on a form prescribed by the
Secretary.
(3) A reconsideration request shall state the reasons the employee
believes the initial denial should be overruled and may include supporting
documentation.
(4) A reconsideration request shall be filed within 30 days after the
employee receives a denial from the appointing authority or appointing
authority designee unless good cause can be shown.
(5) A decision on the reconsideration
request shall be issued in writing by the Department within 10 working days and
include the notice of dispute resolution procedures.
(6) An employee who requires leave for a
qualifying purpose while a reconsideration request for PFML is pending may use
accrued annual, compensatory, sick, or personnel leave, or request unpaid leave
if the employee has no accrued leave.
(a) An employee who uses accrued leave
for a qualifying purpose while a reconsideration request for PFML is pending
will receive reimbursement of the used leave retroactive to the approved start
date of PFML if the employee’s request for PFML is approved.
(b) An employee who is on unpaid leave
while a reconsideration request for PFML is pending will receive PFML
retroactive to the approved start date of PFML.
L. Appeals.
(1) If the denial of PFML is upheld after
reconsideration, an employee or authorized representative may appeal the denial
of PFML to the Department’s Chief Human Resources Officer or designee.
(2) The appeals process is available only
to employees who have completed the reconsideration
process as described in §K of this regulation.
(3) An appeal shall be in writing to the Department’s Chief Human Resources Officer or designee on a form
prescribed by the Secretary.
(4) An appeal shall state the reasons the employee believes the
reconsideration decision should be overruled and may include supporting
documentation.
(5) An appeal shall be filed within 30 days after the employee receives
a reconsideration decision from the Department’s Office of Personnel Services
and Benefits unless the employee can show good cause.
(6) When an appeal is filed with the Department’s Chief Human Resources
Officer or designee, the Department will send a notice of filing to the
employee’s appointing authority or the appointing authority designee.
(7) An appeal decision shall be issued in writing to the employee and
the employee’s appointing authority or appointing authority designee within 30
working days after the Department's receipt of the appeal.
(8) The decision by the Department’s Chief Human Resources shall be the
final administrative decision and is not subject to further appeal.
(9) An employee who requires leave for a qualifying purpose while an
appeal for PFML is pending may use accrued annual, compensatory, sick, or
personnel leave, or request unpaid leave if the employee has no accrued leave.
(a) An employee who uses accrued leave for a qualifying purpose while an
appeal for PFML is pending will receive reimbursement of the used leave
retroactive to the approved start date of PFML if the employee’s request for
PFML is approved.
(b) An employee who is on unpaid leave while an appeal for PFML is
pending will receive PFML retroactive to the approved start date of PFML.
M. Record Keeping and Audit.
(1) Each agency shall:
(a) Maintain for a minimum of 5
years the following documentation:
(i) Applications for leave;
(ii) Approval of PFML,
including dates; and
(iii) Denials of PFML.
(b) Submit to the Secretary or designee, on or before October 15 of each
year, a report providing the following information for the preceding fiscal
year:
(i) Number of employees who
requested PFML;
(ii) Number of employees approved for PFML;
(iii) Number of employees
denied for PFML; and
(iv) Estimated cost to the
agency in wages, overtime, and lost productivity.
(2) The Department shall maintain for a minimum of 5 years the following
documentation:
(a) Requests for reconsideration;
(b) Outcomes of reconsideration requests;
(c) Appeals; and
(d) Outcomes of appeals.
(3) The program shall be audited at the discretion of the Secretary.
MARC NICOLE
Deputy Secretary
Title 22
STATE RETIREMENT AND PENSION SYSTEM
Subtitle
04 MEMBERSHIP
22.04.02 Membership in the Employees' System
or the Teachers' System—General
Authority: State Personnel
and Pensions Article, §§21-108, 22-207, 22-305, and 23-209, Annotated Code of
Maryland
Notice of Proposed
Action
[25-276-P]
The Board of Trustees for
the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System proposes to repeal existing
Regulation .02, amend and recodify existing Regulation .03 to be
Regulation .02, and recodify existing Regulation .04 to be
Regulation .03 under COMAR 22.04.02 Membership in the Employees'
System or Teachers' System—General. This action was considered by the Board
of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System at an open
meeting held on October 21, 2025, notice of which was given by publication on
the website for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System pursuant to
General Provisions Article §3-302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action
is to clarify and update the provisions in COMAR 22.04.02 that address
membership in the Employees' Systems and the Teachers' Systems. The State Retirement Agency is recommending
repealing COMAR 22.04.02.02 because it is obsolete. To the extent that
lecturers at the University of Maryland Global Campus are eligible for
membership in both the Teachers' Pension System and the Optional Retirement
Program, provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article require an
individual to make an irrevocable election at the commencement of employment
regarding which plan the individual wishes to be a member. Additionally, these proposed regulations also
repeal COMAR 22.04.02.03C. If an
individual who is a member of the Teachers' Retirement System or the Teachers'
Pension System is no longer eligible for membership in their system due to a
change in employment that will now place them in another state or local
retirement or pension system, that individual will be enrolled in their new plan. Existing provisions of the State Personnel
and Pensions Article provide that this individual would be eligible to transfer
prior service credit in their old system to their new system.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with
disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Anne Gawthrop, Director, Legislative
Affairs, Maryland State Retirement Agency, 120 East Baltimore Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202, or call 410-625-5602, or email to
[email protected]. Comments will be accepted through February 9, 2026.
A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Open Meeting
Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Board of
Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System during a public
meeting to be held on February 17, 2026 at 9:30 am, at 120 East Baltimore
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
[.03] .02 Continuation of Membership.
A.—B. (text unchanged)
[C. An individual may continue as a member of the Teachers'
Retirement System or the Teachers' Pension System if the individual is promoted
or transferred to a position in an excluded educational category.]
JON MARTIN
Acting Executive Director
Title 24
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Subtitle
05 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
24.05.01 Enterprise Zones
Authority: Economic
Development Article, §2-108 and Title 5, Subtitle 7, Annotated Code of Maryland
Notice of Proposed
Action
[25-271-P]
The Secretary of Commerce
proposes to amend Regulations .06, .08, and .10 under COMAR
24.05.01 Enterprise Zones.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this action
is to amend the existing regulations to reflect previous statutory alterations.
Estimate of Economic Impact
The proposed action has no economic impact.
Economic Impact on Small Businesses
The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small
businesses.
Impact on Individuals with Disabilities
The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Comments may be sent to Robin Bailey, Director of Policy and
Program Development, Department of Commerce, 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD
21202, or call (410) 767-6314, or email to [email protected]. Comments
will be accepted through February 9, 2025. A public hearing has not been
scheduled.
.06 Designation of Enterprise Zones.
A.—F. (text unchanged)
G. The Secretary shall prioritize applications from political
subdivisions that do not have an existing Enterprise Zone designation.
[G.] H.—[J.] K. (text
unchanged)
.08 Expansion of Enterprise Zones.
A.—D. (text unchanged)
E. The Secretary may grant an extraordinary expansion of an
enterprise zone into any area that:
(1) Meets the requirements of Economic Development Article, §5-704,
Annotated Code of Maryland, and this chapter; [and]
(2) In the determination of the Secretary, has suffered a
significant loss of economic base[.]; and
(3) Merits inclusion as an Enterprise Zone for a compelling
economic reason as determined by the Secretary.
F. The Secretary shall prioritize applications for the expansion
of an Enterprise Zone.
.10 Limit on Designation of Enterprise Zones.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Limit on Number of Zones.
(1)—(5) (text unchanged)
(6) If the geographic area of a proposed expansion area does not
exceed [50] 25 percent of the existing geographic area of
the enterprise zone, the application for expansion is not considered a new zone
request and is not counted as an additional designation of area as an
enterprise zone for the appropriate county or counties.
(7)—(10) (text unchanged)
HARRY COKER, JR.
Secretary
Errata
COMAR 09.22
At 52:21 Md. R. 1030 (October 17, 2025),
column 2, line 14 from the top:
For: [25-020-R-1]
Read: [25-203-P]
[26-01-03]
COMAR 09.34
At 52:26 Md. R. 1328 (December 26, 2025),
column 2, following line 18 from the top:
Insert: At this time, the Office of
Cemetery Oversight is withdrawing a previously proposed action which was
published in 52:10 Md. R. 441—446 (May 16, 2025).
[26-01-04]
Special Documents
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification
24-WQC-0049
Maryland Coastal Bays
Program
c/o Roman Jesien
8219 Stephen Decatur
Hwy
Berlin, MD 21811
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a
Water Quality Certification 24-WQC-0049
Location: Near 5311 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD
21842
38.379866 N, -075.073412 W
The purpose of the
project is to control shoreline erosion, create a containment structure for
dredge material placement and to create habitat for colonial nesting birds.
Description of Authorized Work:
1.
Construct six headland breakwaters totaling
1,177 linear feet with an average width of 50 feet using 6,957 cubic yards of
mixed size rock/sand fill with boulder toe, extending a maximum of 209 feet
channelward of the mean high water line;
2.
Construct 1,222 linear feet of living shoreline
with an average width of 87 feet using 14,172 cubic yards of sand fill
extending a maximum of 138 feet channelward of the mean high water line;
3.
Mechanically or hydraulically dredge a 250 foot
long by 40 foot wife channel to a maximum depth of 3 feet at mean low water and
place 609.5 cubic yards of dredged material to fill existing interior ponds.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final
Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any
person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such
decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall
be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final
decision, and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be
reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the
Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness
of this WQC.
Contact: Miles Simmons at [email protected] or at 410-901-4044.
[26-01-06]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0020
Prospect Plantation West HOA
PO Box 700
Seabrook, MD 20703
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0030.
Location: Keen Haul Ct. Grasonville, MD 21638
The purpose of the
project is to stabilize the shoreline and provide an ecological uplift.
Description of
Authorized Work:
1.
Construct
an 89-linear foot, an 85-linear foot, an 625-linear foot, and a 605-linear foot
low profile stone, sand containment sill;
2.
Fill and
grade with 2,841 cubic yards of sand along 1,404 feet of eroding shoreline and
plant with 24,360 square feet of marsh vegetation extending a maximum of 33
feet channelward of the mean high-water line.
3.
Construct
two, 10-foot wide by 65-foot-long stone hook groins extending a maximum of 65
feet channelward of the mean high-water line.
4.
Emplace
128 reef balls within a 0.96-acre area and two acres of oyster spat within a
two-acre area, all within the Prospect Bay Sanctuary.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision: This Water Quality Certification is a final
agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue
this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A
request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of
publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the
final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted
to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800
Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not
stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Matt Godbey at
[email protected] or 410-901-4033.
[26-01-07]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0021
&
Federal Consistency Determination
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Baltimore District
2 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD
21201
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), the
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is providing notice of its
issuance of a Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0021 as well as concurrence
under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
Location: Waters of the United States, including
wetlands and navigable waters, within the State of Maryland under the
jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District..
The U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Baltimore District, requested a Water Quality Certification (WQC)
under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act to reissue 56 existing nationwide
permits (NWPs) and issue one new NWP. One NWP was not proposed for reissuance. NWPs
are general permits issued on a nationwide basis to streamline the
authorization of activities that result in for discharges of dredged or fill
material into Waters of the United States with no more than minimal individual
and cumulative adverse environmental effects. Many of the proposed NWPs require
notification to the District Engineer before commencing those activities, to
ensure that the activities authorized by those NWPs cause no more than minimal
individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. The WQC is for
reissuance of NWP activities that may result in a discharge of dredged and/or
fill material in waters of the United States, including wetlands and navigable
waters, within the State of Maryland under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District.
Activities authorized under the NWPs require compliance with all terms and
conditions of the Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0021.
More information and
documents associated with the Baltimore District’s NWPs may be viewed at the
following link:
https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Nationwide-Permits/
The WQC request, CZMA
federal consistency determination, and supporting information, including MDE’s
public notice, is available on MDE’s website at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/Nationwide-Permit-Reissuance.aspx.
Any project updates or decisions will be posted on this webpage.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final
Decision: This Water Quality
Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the
Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance
with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the
Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in
writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for
appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department
of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request
for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Alex Vazquez at [email protected] or 410-537-3541.
[26-01-11]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0022
&
Federal Consistency Determination
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Philadelphia District
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
19103
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is providing notice of its
issuance of a Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0022 as well as concurrence
under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
Location: Waters of the United States, including
wetlands and navigable waters, within the State of Maryland under the
jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District..
The U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Philadelphia District, requested a Water Quality Certification
(WQC) under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act to reissue 56 existing
nationwide permits (NWPs) and issue one new NWP. One NWP was not proposed for
reissuance. NWPs are general permits issued on a nationwide basis to streamline
the authorization of activities that result in for discharges of dredged or
fill material into Waters of the United States with no more than minimal
individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. Many of the proposed
NWPs require notification to the District Engineer before commencing those
activities, to ensure that the activities authorized by those NWPs cause no
more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. The
WQC is for reissuance of NWP activities that may result in a discharge of
dredged and/or fill material in waters of the United States, including wetlands
and navigable waters, within the State of Maryland under the jurisdiction of
the Baltimore District. Activities authorized under the NWPs require compliance
with all terms and conditions of the Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0022.
More information and
documents associated with the Philadelphia District’s NWPs may be viewed at the
following link:
https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permits/NWP.aspx
The WQC request, CZMA
federal consistency determination, and supporting information, including MDE’s
public notice, is available on MDE’s website at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/Nationwide-Permit-Reissuance.aspx.
Any project updates or decisions will be posted on this webpage.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final
Decision: This Water Quality
Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the
Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance
with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the
Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in
writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for
appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department
of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request
for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Alex Vazquez at [email protected] or 410-537-3541.
[26-01-12]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-00023
Maryland Port Administration (MPA)
401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1900
Baltimore, MD 21669
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0023.
Location: James Island -76.348823,
38.516495, Taylors Island, MD 21669
The purpose of this
project is to restore remote island habitat including 1097 acres of wetlands
and 897 acres of uplands.
Description of
Authorized Work:
Construct 45,233 linear feet of perimeter armored dikes, including 20,713
linear feet of upland perimeter dikes averaging 260-foot wide and initially
constructed to 11 feet mean lower low water (MLL W), and then incrementally
raised with sand to 25 feet MLL W before reduction to the final elevation of 20
ft MLLW; 24,520 linear feet of wetland perimeter dikes averaging 160-foot wide
with a maximum elevation of 11 feet MLLW; 6,200 linear feet by 400-foot wide
wetland/upland transition zone with an initial height of 11 feet MLLW; and
37,129 linear feet of internal wetland dikes at 25-foot wide;
1.
Construct a 3,500-foot long by 120- foot wide breakwater
to the north and a 2,500-foot long by 120-foot wide breakwater to the south of
the turning basin;
2.
Construct a 249-foot long offloading bulkhead with two
72- foot long returns and support piles and backfill adjacent to the armored
dike and within the turning basin;
3.
Construct two dolphins with four 3-foot diameter steel
piles and a 17-foot by 19-foot pile cap within the turning basin;
4.
Construct a personnel access pier that includes an
8.5-foot long by 22-foot wide gangway landing, an 80-foot long by 6-foot wide
gangway to a 10-foot long by 14.5-foot wide landing platform adjacent to a
200-foot long by 20-foot wide fixed platform and an 80-foot long by 6-foot wide
gangway to a 40-foot long by
40-foot wide floating platform all within a maximum of 110 feet channel ward
from the top of the perimeter dike;
5.
Construct two upland spillways, twelve wetland spillways,
four tidal inlet box culvert structures, and six wetland weir structures of
various sizes with wetland structures to be removed as the wetland cells are
restored;
6.
Dredge by hydraulic method 1 7 million cubic yards of
sandy borrow material from the proposed upland cell to a depth of 3 5 feet
below MLL W and place the material behind constructed dikes within the northern
wetland complex referred to as the sand stockpile area to later be used for
on-site construction;
7.
Dredge by hydraulic method a 2,500-foot long by
1,000-foot wide turning basin and an 8,400-foot long by 600-foot wide access
channel to a maximum depth of-26 feet MLLW, within a 209 acre area including
the 3: 1 side slopes, and removing up to 4 million cubic yards of material
which will be placed within a confined cell if it is silty material or within
the sand stockpile area if it can be used for construction;
8.
Dredge by hydraulic or mechanical method areas with
unsuitable soils in the armored perimeter dike foundation area totaling 4,500
linear feet by 150 feet wide to an approximate depth of20 feet MLLW and remove
approximately 600,000 cubic yards of soil which will be placed hydraulically or
mechanically in a confined cell away from the sand stockpile;
9.
Install 14,000 linear feet of a 12-inch bundled submarine
cable utility line from Taylors Island using a 24-foot wide weighted underwater
sled and trenching a 2-foot wide by 8-foot deep trench below the bay bottom;
10. Construct a
20,000 square foot storage building;
11. Construct
shoreline features such as reefs, reef balls, breakwaters within 50 acres (
design to be determined);
12. A 100-foot buffer
around the dike perimeter is designated for potential impacts during
construction and impacts from conversion to reef habitat;
13. Collect seasonal
exterior benthic and sediment samples for monitoring at 15 sampling locations
and 1 reference location using a 9-inch by 9-inch ponar sampler; and
14. Perform 100-foot
deep by 8-inch diameter geotechnical borings at 100 sites within the island
project vicinity.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final Decision: This Water Quality Certification is a final
agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue
this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A
request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of
publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the
final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted
to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800
Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not
stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Mary
Phipps-Dickerson at [email protected] or 443-509-0797.
[26-01-08]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0024
Tilghman on
Chesapeake Comm Assoc
P.O. Box 432
Tilghman, MD 21671
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0024.
Location: Island Club Rd, Tax Map 44, Parcel 42,
38.708662, -76.330052, Tilghman, MD 21671
The purpose of this
proposed work is to provide navigable access and wave attenuation.
Description of Proposed
Work:
1) To construct a 1.5-foot wide by 300-foot
long timber jetty extending a maximum of 302 feet channelward of the mean high
water line.
2) Mechanically maintenance dredge:
a) a 265-foot long by 120-foot wide
rectangularly shaped area to a depth of
5 feet at mean low water,
b) a 265-foot long by 243-foot wide irregularly shaped area to a depth
of 6 feet below mean low water, and
c) a spur channel 70-foot long by 50-foot wide to a depth of 6 feet
below mean low water.
The approximately 2,809 cubic yards of dredged material will be
deposited on an approved upland disposal site located at 21455 Donnell Jones
Road, Sherwood, MD 21665.
The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final
Decision: This Water Quality
Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the
Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance
with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the
Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in
writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for
appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department
of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request
for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Michaela Harrington at [email protected] or 410-537-4182
[26-01-09]
WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0025
Martins Point Farm
LLC
601 Liberty St
Watsontown, PA
17777
Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The
Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a
Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0025.
Location: 27391 Southside Island Creek Rd, Trappe, MD
21673
The purpose of this
proposed work is navigable access and shoreline erosion control:
Description of
Authorized Work:
1.
Mechanically
dredge a 74,177 square foot spur channel and slip basin to a
depth of 10 feet at mean low water and deposit 4,533 cubic yards in the
uplands of the applicants property.
2.
Construct
4,400 linear feet of revetment within a maximum of 5 feet channelward of the
mean high water line.
The WQC and its
attachments may be viewed at the following link:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx
Appeal of Final
Decision: This Water Quality
Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the
Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance
with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the
Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in
writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for
appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department
of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request
for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.
Contact: Michaela Harrington at [email protected] or 410-537-4182
[26-01-10]
General Notices
Notice
of ADA Compliance
The State of Maryland is committed to
ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to fully participate in
public meetings. Anyone planning to
attend a meeting announced below who wishes to receive auxiliary aids,
services, or accommodations is invited to contact the agency representative at
least 48 hours in advance, at the telephone number listed in the notice or
through Maryland Relay.
MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
Subject: Public Meeting
Date and Time: January 22, 2026,
10 a.m.—12 p.m.
Place: Montgomery
Business Park
1800 Washington Blvd. - Ste 330, Baltimore, MD
Add'l. Info: Meeting will be in person at Lottery & Gaming
headquarters. A link to view the meeting
will be available on the website the day of the meeting -
https://www.mdgaming.com/commission-meeting-1-22-2026/
Contact: Kathy Lingo
410-230-8790
[26-01-01]
THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY
OFFICE OF MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Subject: Announcement of Calendar Year 2026 Limitation
on the Personal Net Worth (PNW) of Socially and Economically Disadvantage
Individual as it relates to Certification of a Minority Business Enterprise
(MBE)
Add’l Info: The
Department of Social and Economic Mobility Office of Minority Business
Enterprise (OMBE) gives notice that effective January 1, 2026, the Personal Net
Worth of a disadvantaged owner whose ownership interest in a firm is relied
upon for certification in the State’s MBE program, may not exceed
$2,192,035. This PNW limit will apply to
all MBE certification decisions rendered between January 1, 2026 to December
31, 2026. This action is taken in
accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland State Finance and Procurement
Article § 14-30 (k)(3).
Contact: Heather
McCall, 410-865-1264
[26-01-13]