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Rights for Renters

Living costs are a top concern and new legislation aims to provide clarity for tenants. Landlords are now legally required to accept checks and money orders for rent and security deposits. Furthermore any processing fees charged for these payments must reflect the actual cost from the processing company rather than an inflated amount. In most instances residents cannot be forced to pay extra fees for standard home maintenance and repairs.

Maryland Education and Community Standards

Maryland is focusing heavily on the student experience and animal welfare as new regulations come into effect this summer.

Classroom Phone Policies

To improve focus and reduce social media distractions Maryland schools are moving toward a mandatory bell to bell cellphone ban. While some districts already have similar policies this state law requires full compliance by the 2027 to 2028 school year. The policy covers personal devices including smart watches and wireless earbuds with limited exceptions for health monitoring or language translation needs.

Student Well Being and Civic Engagement

Higher education institutions that provide on campus housing are now required to offer free menstrual hygiene products in student health centers. On the K to 12 level schools must now treat time spent on civic engagement as an excused absence allowing students to testify or meet with lawmakers without penalty.

Alcohol Regulations and Animal Welfare

Baltimore County is continuing its policy of allowing cocktails to go. Businesses with valid permits can sell mixed drinks for carryout provided they are in factory sealed containers with no straw openings and the customer also purchases a meal. In a victory for animal rights it is now illegal to sell or transport a racehorse if the owner knows the animal is destined for commercial slaughter. Additionally state lottery operators are now required to withhold winnings from individuals who owe child support or have specific forms of state debt.

District of Columbia Minimum Wage Increase

The District of Columbia is implementing a straightforward but impactful change for the workforce. As part of a scheduled adjustment the minimum wage in DC rises from $17.95 per hour to $18.40 per hour.

For workers who receive tips the base wage increases from $10 per hour to $10.30 per hour. Employers should note that if a tipped employee does not earn enough in gratuities to reach the standard minimum wage on average the employer is legally obligated to cover the difference to ensure the worker receives the full legal minimum.