New Maryland laws take effect, impacting DUI penalties, sex abuse survivors and more
Dozens of new laws took effect in Maryland on June 1, including one that impacts DUI penalties and another that limits payouts for survivors of child sexual abuse.
Under one of the laws, Maryland gained two new state symbols. SB764 added Chromite as the new state mineral and Orange Crush as the new state cocktail.
Here's a look at some of the other new laws that went into effect:
Changes to Child Victims Act
Sexual abuse survivors in Maryland now face caps on court compensation after revisions to the Child Victims Act took effect Sunday.
limits payouts to $400,000 for abuse claims involving public institutions and $700,000 for claims against private institutions. Attorney fees are also capped at 20% for cases settled out of court and 25% for cases that go to trial.
Governor Wes Moore signed the revisions into law in April. The changes come as juvenile detention facilities across Maryland face multiple lawsuits from abuse survivors.
The original Child Victims Act allowed payouts up to $890,000 from public institutions and $1.5 million from private institutions. The new caps represent significant reductions from those amounts.
The revisions also establish specific limits on attorney fees for the first time.
Punishments increase for DUI convictions
Maryland drivers convicted of driving under the influence now face stiffer penalties under HB388. The Motor Vehicle Administration will assess 12 points against anyone's license for DUI convictions involving alcohol or other drugs.
Baltimore City will now increase its speed cameras along Interstate 83 from two to four under .
Healthcare and housing changes
Several new laws expand healthcare protections and access.
classifies gender-affirming healthcare as "legally protected health care" in Maryland and makes it not subject to disclosure laws.
Health insurers must now permanently cover telehealth visits under HB869, known as the Preserve Telehealth Act of 2025.
allows county governments to exempt rental housing properties from property taxes if owners maintain at least 25% of units as affordable housing and enter payment agreements with counties.
Notable new laws in Maryland
delays the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program launch 18 months to January 1, 2027.
increases property tax exemptions for blind individuals from $15,000 to $40,000.
raises Anne Arundel County's student board member scholarship from $8,000 to $15,000.
requires local election boards to provide meeting agendas at least 48 hours in advance and offer live video streaming of open meetings.