This morning, Governor Moore presided over the first bill signing following Sine Die, alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Several bills were signed into law earlier today, addressing a range of issues including education policy, public safety, housing and property matters, health care and behavioral health, and protections for consumers and workers. Two bills included in the Moore-Miller Administration’s 2026 legislative agenda were signed into law: The Vax Act and The Jillian and Lindsay Wiener Short-Term Rental Safety Act. Additionally, several priority bills for the Moore-Miller Administration are heading to the Governor for signing in the near future:
DECADE Act (Economic Development)
The DECADE Act establishes a broad framework to support economic development and business growth in Maryland. The legislation expands the existing Build Our Future Grant Program by offering matching grants of up to $2 million for infrastructure projects tied to emerging and high-growth industries. It also updates the Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone program, which connects businesses with nearby universities and federal research facilities to encourage job creation and regional investment.
In addition, the bill provides longer-term certainty for certain business tax credits related to research, development, and security contracting. Overall, the measure aims to streamline and coordinate existing economic development tools to attract and retain businesses in the state.
Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act
This legislation focuses on expanding housing and economic activity near major transit hubs. It authorizes development on state-controlled land adjacent to transit stations, with the potential to support thousands of new housing units. The bill also promotes transit-oriented development by encouraging higher-density zoning near rail stations and directing state investment toward high-capacity transit corridors.
To support these efforts, the legislation extends financial incentives, including eligibility for Enterprise Zone benefits and prioritization for certain state-backed financing programs. The goal is to increase housing supply in transit-accessible areas while supporting long-term economic activity and infrastructure use.
The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act
Th Protection from Predatory Pricing Act addresses concerns related to the use of electronic shelf labels in retail settings, which allow for rapid price changes. The legislation requires grocery retailers to maintain listed prices for at least one business day, limiting how frequently prices can be adjusted.
It also prohibits the use of consumer data or surveillance-based information to set individualized prices for shoppers. Enforcement authority is assigned to the Office of the Attorney General. The bill is intended to increase pricing transparency and prevent practices that could lead to inconsistent or personalized price increases for essential goods.
Vax Act
The Vax Act outlines how Maryland will determine official guidance on vaccinations and certain preventative health services. It authorizes the Secretary of Health to rely on recommendations from established, independent medical organizations when setting state guidance on immunizations, screenings, and preventative care.
The legislation also maintains insurance coverage requirements for recommended vaccines and related services. The intent is to ensure continuity in public health recommendations and access to preventative care, particularly for children and other vulnerable populations.
The Jillian and Lindsay Wiener Short-Term Rental Safety Act
This bill establishes new safety requirements for short-term rental properties, mandating the installation of specified fire prevention and detection equipment in units rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. By July 1, 2028, each county where short-term rentals are permitted, as well as Baltimore City, must adopt local laws or regulations requiring annual inspections of these properties to ensure compliance.
