While the General Assembly is just getting settled back into Annapolis for the new session, a fresh batch of laws passed last year has officially kicked in.
From the doctor’s office to the barber chair, the rules in the Free State shifted on New Year’s Day. While Maryland’s statewide minimum wage remains frozen at $15.00 this year, specific counties and industries are seeing major changes.
Here are the 6 new laws that started impacting Marylanders this month.
1. Mandatory Heart Disease Coverage (The “Calcium Score” Law)
Effective: January 1, 2026 This is a potential lifesaver for thousands of Marylanders with a family history of heart issues.
- The Rule: Maryland insurers (including Medicaid) are now required to cover Coronary Artery Calcium Scans without forcing patients to pay high out-of-pocket costs.
- Why it matters: This non-invasive CT scan detects early signs of heart disease before a heart attack happens. Previously, many patients skipped it because insurance often denied coverage, calling it “elective.”
2. Rideshare “Paycheck” Transparency
Effective: January 1, 2026 If you drive for Uber or Lyft in Maryland, your weekly summary just got a lot more detailed.
- The Change: Rideshare companies must now provide drivers with a clear weekly breakdown showing exactly how much the rider paid, how much the company took in fees, and the driver’s net percentage.
- The Goal: To settle the long-standing debate over “take rates” and ensure gig workers know exactly how much of the fare is landing in their pockets.
3. The “Cut It Out” Rule (Barbers & Stylists)
Effective: January 1, 2026 Your next haircut might come with an extra layer of community safety. A new licensing requirement has officially taken effect for all cosmetologists and barbers in the state.
- The Requirement: To renew their license, hair professionals must now complete a 1-hour Domestic Violence Awareness training.
- The Logic: Stylists often have close, trusting relationships with clients and are in a unique position to spot signs of abuse or offer resources to victims who might not feel safe talking elsewhere.
4. Firefighter Cancer Screenings
Effective: January 1, 2026 Recognizing that occupational cancer is a leading killer of first responders, Maryland has expanded its health protections for county-employed firefighters.
- The Benefit: Firefighters are now guaranteed coverage for extensive preventative cancer screenings (including bladder, lung, and thyroid checks) with zero copays or deductibles.
5. “Heir Property” Protection (Tax Sale Reform)
Effective: January 1, 2026 This law targets a predatory practice that often causes families to lose generational homes over minor debts.
- The Change: Local governments can no longer put a home up for “Tax Sale” if the unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties amount to less than $1,000.
- Why it matters: It protects “heir property” owners (often lower-income residents living in inherited family homes) from having their houses sold out from under them over small, overlooked bills.
6. Montgomery County’s Strict Bag Ban
Effective: January 1, 2026 While not statewide, this affects nearly a million Marylanders and anyone visiting the D.C. suburbs. Montgomery County has escalated its war on waste.
- The Law: The county has implemented a stricter “Bring Your Own Bag” law.
- The Impact: Most retail stores are now prohibited from providing plastic bags entirely. If you need a paper bag, the mandatory fee has doubled to 10 cents. If you shop in Bethesda, Silver Spring, or Rockville, keep your reusable totes in the car or pay the price.
Local Talk
Do you think the “Barber Training” will help? It’s a unique approach to domestic violence—do you think it puts too much pressure on stylists, or is it a smart way to use community networks?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
New Maryland laws take effect on January 1, 2026 This video provides a quick news summary of the specific laws mentioned above, including the domestic violence training for barbers and the new health coverage mandates.
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