As October begins, Maryland residents and businesses will see a new slate of laws take effect following the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session. Nearly 300 measures have an October 1 effective date, covering issues ranging from consumer protection and housing to public safety and health care.
Here are a handful of the new laws taking effect this fall:
Consumer Protection and Pricing
The Protection From Predatory Pricing Act (HB 895) establishes new restrictions on how large food retailers and third-party food delivery services may use dynamic pricing and consumer data when setting prices. The law prohibits certain practices involving the use of consumer surveillance data to charge individual customers higher prices and requires disclosures when algorithms or personal information are used in certain pricing decisions.
The measure was introduced as part of the Moore Administration’s 2026 legislative agenda and represents a new approach to regulating the use of consumer data in retail pricing.
Firearm Sales, Security and Disposal
Several new requirements affecting firearms also take effect this fall. Among them is SB 334, which includes provisions addressing handgun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “Glock switches” or auto sears, which can enable a semiautomatic firearm to fire continuously with a single trigger pull. The legislation also restricts certain handguns capable of being converted to fully automatic fire, although the prohibition on the manufacture, sale and purchase of those handguns takes effect January 1, 2027, rather than October 1.
Separate legislation, HB 284, establishes additional reporting requirements for licensed firearms dealers when dealership security is compromised or a firearm is stolen during a burglary, robbery or theft. Another measure, SB 775, requires firearms and specified components received through gun buyback programs to be destroyed, while directing law enforcement to make reasonable efforts beforehand to determine whether a firearm was used in a crime or reported lost or stolen.
Housing and Short-Term Rentals
New requirements are also coming to Maryland’s housing sector.
The Jillian and Lindsay Wiener Short-Term Rental Safety Act, SB 624/HB 1221, establishes statewide safety requirements for short-term rental properties, including those offered through platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Covered properties must have specified safety equipment, including working fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The law also requires local jurisdictions to inspect short-term rental properties for compliance.
Maryland’s housing laws will also change through the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act (SB 937). The law limits when landlords may request or consider certain criminal-history information during the tenant-screening process. Certain serious offenses remain subject to consideration, and landlords may consider specified criminal-history information after extending a conditional offer of housing.
Another component of the state’s 2026 housing agenda, the Maryland Housing and Transit Opportunity Act, HB 894, makes more than 300 acres of state-owned property near transit facilities available for housing development, including affordable housing.
Health and Child Protection
Maryland is also expanding its laws addressing female genital mutilation (FGM) via HB 1389/SB 907. State law governing the reporting and investigation of child abuse will now include FGM within the definition of abuse.
The legislation also establishes criminal penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Health occupations boards are required to revoke the professional license of an individual who performs FGM, and individuals harmed by the practice may pursue civil damages.
Looking Ahead
These measures represent only a portion of the nearly 300 Maryland laws taking effect on October 1. Together, the new laws include changes affecting consumers, businesses, renters and property owners, health care professionals, firearm owners, local governments and other stakeholders throughout the state.
The full list of legislation taking effect October 1 is available here for those interested in reviewing additional measures from the 2026 Legislative Session.
