(Oct. 6, 2016) Though occasionally other dates are used, there are two main dates the Maryland General Assembly uses to enact new legislation: July 1 and Oct. 1. The following is a summary of selected laws that could have an impact on the area, which went into effect last weekend.

SB 182 — Sponsored by Sen. Jim Mathias, this law will require a rental dwelling unit to have a carbon monoxide detector installed outside and in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area, as well as every level of a unit, including the basement by April 1, 2018.
SB 1054 — Sponsored by Sen. Jim Mathias, this law establishes a Commercial Northern Snakehead Bowfishing license at a cost of $15.
HB 121 — Sponsored by Del. Mary Beth Carozza, this legislation adds an additional venue for prosecution related to false reports of explosive devices.
HB 443 — Authorized the Department of Agriculture or institutes of higher learning to cultivate industrial hemp for research purposes.
HB 803 — Prohibits insurers from taking measures against future lawful travel of the insured, with exceptions.
SB 764 — Authorizes student journalists at public institutions to exercise freedom of speech even in school-sponsored media, and prohibits advisors from using their position to influence coverage.
HB 46 — Animal control is prohibited from selling, placing or destroying impounded animals until the animal has been carefully inspected for a microchip and making a reasonable effort to contact the owner.
HB 319 — Limited authorization for dredge boats propelled by a yawl boat fishing for oysters.
HB 799 — Extends to agents, employees, business partners and contractors hired by the leaseholder the civil penalties for trespassing on an aquaculture lease.
SB 757 — Requires the Comptroller to implement electronic filing of alcoholic beverage tax returns by Jan. 1, 2018.
SB 945 — a.k.a. Noah’s law, people convicted of certain offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol to participate in the ignition interlock system program.
HB 409 — Prohibits adults from furnishing alcohol to minors if they know or should reasonably have known the minor intended to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
HB 565 — Changes from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor ‘guilty’ plea and punishable by a fine, the penalty of being found with fewer than 10 grams of marijuana on a person.
SB 1005 — Requires a risk and needs assessment on inmates as soon as possible following sentencing, and developing a case plan during incarceration.
SB 160 — Establishes subsequent penalties for offenses that result in death or life-threatening injury as a result of operating a car or boat.
HB 1016 — Prohibits retaliatory action against a law enforcement officer that discloses certain kinds of information.
SB 417 — Prohibits work activities centers and sheltered workshops from paying employees with disabilities less than minimum wage.
SB 178 — Prohibits a person from using immigration status, or threat of enforcement of the same, to coerce certain behaviors.
SB 233 — Defines “motorcycle profiling” as a thing and provides courses and training to police regarding this issue.
SB 346 — Adds misuse of telephone, electronic communication, revenge porn and video surveillance to complaints under which a peace order can be obtained.
HB 336 — Authorizes civil forfeiture of property, but requires a receipt for property.
HB 1059 — Requires a written lease for residential property include a provision for a receipt for the security deposit.
SB 198 — Prohibits the sale of neonicotinoid pesticides on or after Jan. 1, 2018.
SB 1009 — Makes a contractor on a public works contract liable to the public body for $250 per worker paid under the prevailing wage.
HB 1192 — Alters the contents of the certificate furnished to a buyer upon resale of a condo unit. Limits the fee for this certificate to $250.
SB 544 — Requires drivers to provide either a hard copy or an electronic copy of their insurance card upon request.