More than 300 pieces of legislation are set to take effect tomorrow, July 1, 2023. Legislation taking effect on this date tends to be more fiscal related to coincide with the beginning of the fiscal year, but could also focus on important policy matters.

Legislation taking effect July 1, 2023

One major piece of legislation taking effect would legalize adult-use cannabis (HB 556 / SB 516).

A Maryland Matters article provides a brief overview of the new state law and regulations:

  • Sales for recreational cannabis use are restricted to adults 21 and older. ID will be required at the time of purchase.
  • An adult may buy 1.5 ounces of raw flower or pre-rolled joints; a maximum of 12 grams of concentrated cannabis for vaping; or edibles not to exceed a total of 750 mg of THC.
  • Cannabis may not be used in public or on federal property. It is illegal for drivers or passengers to use cannabis in a vehicle.
  • Use of cannabis can result in a DUI charge.
  • State law does not supersede workplace rules governing impairment while at work. Federal or state laws governing impairment still apply.
  • Adults 21 and older may grow two plants at home, out of public view, for recreational purposes. The law limits home growth to two plants regardless of the number of adults over 21 living in the same household.

A Baltimore Sun article provides a broad overview of a few pieces of legislation taking effect.

Tax cuts for veterans

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, an Army veteran, had a successful first legislative session with the passage of all 10 of his priority bills.

One of those is the Keep Our Heroes Home Act, which goes into effect Saturday, will expand the amount of military retirement income exempt from state taxes from $15,000 to $20,000 for veterans 55 and older and from $5,000 to $12,500 for younger veterans next tax season.

“It’s not just that they deserve our support. It’s that they’ve earned it,” Moore said during a bill-signing ceremony in May at Martin State Airport. “We need them to keep serving and to keep calling Maryland home, and the best way to do that is to show our veterans that they’re appreciated.”

Military health care reimbursement

The Health Care for Heroes Act of 2023 — another piece of legislation prioritized by Moore — also will go into effect Saturday. The new law will create a program to reimburse members of the Maryland National Guard up to $60 per month for premiums paid through health and dental plans under its TRICARE health insurance program.

Cash for body-worn cameras

During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly enacted a landmark package of police reform bills, including a requirement for all Maryland law enforcement agencies to outfit their on-duty officers with body-worn cameras by July 1, 2025.

But, for smaller agencies, cameras and video file storage systems are too costly.

Beginning Saturday, the Maryland Department of General Services and Department of Information Technology will be tasked with negotiating affordable contracts with companies to supply smaller agencies with the required equipment.

Title IX support

Starting Saturday, Maryland public schools will be required to inform students, parents and families about how they can file sexual misconduct complaints, what supports are in place for people who file complaints and who serves as the institution’s Title IX coordinator.