Maryland
New laws in Virginia, DC, Maryland take effect in the new year – WTOP News
Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in a wide-range of legislation that hits the books in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland on Jan. 1, 2026.
A slew of new laws will go into effect in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. on New Year’s Day.
Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in the wide range of legislation that hits the books on Jan. 1, 2026.
Here a few of the new laws beginning in the new year:
Virginia
You can find details on any Virginia laws on the state law portal.
Kids get social media limits
Is a break from social media on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Virginia has banned kids under 16 from using social media for more than one hour a day, under the Consumer Data Protection Act.
The law allows parents to adjust that daily limit as they see fit. Some exceptions to the law include platforms that are mostly used for email or direct messaging, streaming services and news sites.
Social media companies are required to accurately verify a young person’s age under the new law. And companies are not allowed to use the age information for anything else.
There are questions about the law’s practicality and whether it will be effective, including from Jennifer Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information, who said it’s unclear whether the law will have its intended effect.
Solicitors’ repeated texts
There may be an avenue to reel in unwanted texts or calls from solicitors under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act.
If you reply to a solicitor’s text with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP,” they are required by law to listen.
In fact, the seller won’t be allowed to reach back out to you for at least 10 years after being told to stop.
Ignoring requests to stop contact could land a solicitor with a fine, which increases with each violation.
Toxic metal in baby food
Baby food sold in Virginia needs to be tested for toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
The law bans the sale or distribution of products that exceed limits on toxic heavy metals, set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Baby Food Protection Act also requires information about toxic heavy metals to be listed on the manufacturer’s website and on the product itself. Consumers can report baby food that they believe violates the FDA limits.
Coverage for breast exams, prostate cancer screenings
Beginning on Jan. 1, insurance companies can’t charge patients for diagnostic or follow-up breast examinations, under HB 1828. The bill requires insurance providers to cover the cost of certain mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds.
Similarly, Virginia also updated the coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings through SB 1314. Insurance companies will need to cover the cost of updated tests for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50 or high-risk men age 40 or older.
Minimum wage bump
Minimum wage is going up to $12.77 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2026.
That’s a jump of 36 cents from the current minimum wage of $12.41 per hour. State law mandates that the wage will incrementally increase until it reaches $15 per hour in 2028.
Beginning in January 2029, the minimum wage will be adjusted based off increases in the consumer price index.
Unemployment benefits
Those on unemployment will see a bump in their weekly benefits. The payments will go up by $52 from the existing rate.
Maryland
The Maryland General Assembly has an outline of new laws for 2026 online. Here’s a breakdown of a few notable laws.
Tax protections for homeowners and heirs
A revision to the state’s tax code looks to protect homeowners and heirs who owe sales taxes on a property. Counties will be required to withhold certain properties where heirs live from unpaid sales tax.
Maryland extended the period of time between a warning and when a property is sold for unpaid property taxes. It’s also creating a statewide registry for heirs.
Anesthesia coverage
No one wants to wake up to a surprise medical bill. Maryland has banned time limits on the delivery of anesthesia to patients when its recommended by a medical professional.
That means if your insurance agrees to cover anesthesia, they have to provide coverage for the entire medical procedure, according to the law.
It applies to groups that provide medical coverage, such as the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, managed care organizations, certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans and health maintenance organizations.
Domestic violence awareness for cosmetologists
Hairdressers, nail techs and other cosmetologists in Maryland are being required to take a new type of training that’s centered around looking out for clients who may be facing abuse at home.
Cosmetologists will be required to take training on domestic violence awareness as a requirement to maintain their license starting Jan. 1.
The lessons will go over how to spot signs of domestic violence and ways to talk things through with a client who may be in need of help.
Cancer screenings for firefighters
Counties that offer self-insured employee health benefit plans have to cover the cost of preventive cancer screenings for firefighters. Those firefighters who qualify won’t have to pay for those screenings.
The James “Jimmy” Malone Act also requires the Maryland Health Commission to study the impact of increasing access to cancer screenings
Pediatric hospitals
Insurance providers cannot require prior authorization for a child to be transferred to a pediatric hospital, under this Maryland law. The same rules go for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and the Maryland Children’s Health Program.
DC
D.C.’s full library of laws can be accessed online.
Criminal records
There are new rules in D.C. that call for automatic expungements in certain scenarios, under a provision of the Second Chance Amendment Act.
Starting in the new year, any qualifying case will be automatically expunged within 90 days.
The change applies to cases where the charge has been legalized or found unconstitutional.
For certain misdemeanors that do not end in a conviction, the records will be automatically sealed.
If a person is convicted, the record will be sealed automatically, 10 years after the completed sentence. There are exceptions under the law. Violent crimes, sexual abuse and driving under the influence are among the misdemeanor charges that do not qualify.
Health care for low income residents
Under the 2026 fiscal year budget, low income residents will see changes to their health care coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. The budget changed the eligibility requirement for Medicaid, tightening the income requirement for childless adults and adult caregivers.
Those low-income residents who are no longer eligible for Medicaid could be moved to a Basic Health Plan, administered by D.C. Some services covered by Medicaid are not covered under the Basic Health Plan, including dental and vision for adults.
Ambulance fees
The District is raising the cap for the cost of being transported by an ambulance — a cost it says will mostly fall on insurance companies, not patients.
Fees will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 for patients on life support. Any patient who is transported in an ambulance is charged by ground transport mileage; that rate is increasing from $26.25 to $30 per loaded mile.
For the most part, D.C. Fire and EMS says insurance should cover ambulance bills in most cases. The fees help offset taxes related to funding EMS services, according to the department’s website.
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Maryland
Governor Moore Continues “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Allegany and Garrett Counties One Year after Historic Floods, Highlighting Infrastructure and Recover
Updated:
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today concluded a two-day “Delivering for Maryland” tour through Allegany and Garrett counties. The tour highlighted the Moore-Miller Administration’s investments in rural infrastructure and long-term recovery following last year’s devastating floods. Throughout the tour, Governor Moore emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind when crisis strikes.
“When our people need help, political parties do not matter; what matters is that we are all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “This tour is a testament to what we can achieve when local and state leaders come together to rebuild, and support our neighbors in need. We are committed to delivering for Western Maryland because leaving no one behind isn’t just a slogan—it is the guiding principle of how we govern.”
The governor began the day touring the City of Frostburg’s Water Treatment Plant. Governor Moore highlighted the city’s use of $400,000 from the Fiscal Year 2027 capital grants investment to address water infrastructure upgrades and their water resiliency project. State funding will target critical infrastructure upgrades and repairs to the plant, which serves 9,500 local customers and faces increased demand as it regularly supports the broader George’s Creek Valley water system. As climate variability and regional reliance place growing strain on the City of Frostburg’s existing infrastructure, the project is a critical investment in public health, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
“The City of Frostburg is incredibly grateful to Governor Moore and the General Assembly for prioritizing Western Maryland’s needs, and for helping us to ensure the availability of safe, clean water to our citizens, and others throughout Allegany County,” said Frostburg Mayor Todd Logsdon. “The Frostburg Water Sustainability Project is a great example of how leaders can come together to put our citizens first and ensure that the people of Frostburg and all of Western Maryland have a better quality of life.”
Governor Moore then visited the Town of Midland, making history as the first sitting governor to visit the municipality in its recorded history. Alongside Mayor John Monahan, the governor toured the construction site of the new Midland Town Hall, supported by a $50,000 state legislative bond initiative. The former town hall is the oldest operating town hall in Maryland. The governor’s flood recovery investments through the FY 2027 budget include $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration, which will directly mitigate sediment build-up along the riverbanks, prevent future breaches, and protect local homes and public parks in Midland.
“We want to thank the Governor for joining us in Midland today during his time in Mountain Maryland, and for being the first governor to visit us in our town’s recorded history,” said Midland Mayor John Monahan. “It was a great opportunity to show him how state investment contributed to our new town hall, and to show him the baseball fields and playground that were proudly rebuilt by our community following last year’s floods. And I’m thankful for the Governor’s flood investments into the region. As I’ve said, I didn’t want a politician, I wanted our town to have a friend. In Governor Moore, we have a friend.”
The governor then traveled to Westernport, where he toured the newly renovated first floor of Westernport Elementary School. One year ago, rising floodwaters forced emergency swiftwater rescue teams to evacuate approximately 150 students and 50 adults from the school. Working in lockstep with the state, the school system leveraged $5 million in insurance funding to complete repairs ahead of schedule, officially reopening the first floor earlier this month.
“We are so happy that the governor is here to celebrate the resiliency of our community,” said Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “It really matters a lot to our community overall that he is here acknowledging the hard work and dedication about carrying it out.”
The governor then visited the temporary space of the Westernport Library—the heart of the Westernport community—and walked to the Potomac Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 Firehouse to address families, volunteers, and local leaders from Westernport, Lonaconing, Midland, Cumberland, and Frostburg.
During his remarks, the governor detailed his $12 million flood recovery operating investment included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The investment includes $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration to mitigate future flood risks; $5.5 million for repairs to infrastructure, including sewers, waterlines, roads, and bridges; and $1 million to restore the foundation and structural stability of the Westernport Library. These investments follow the nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief provided through the State Disaster Recovery Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support impacted families last year. The governor also presented a Governor’s Citation to Mayor Judy Hamilton, honoring her dedicated public service as her tenure concludes at the end of the month.
“Today is about more than the reopening of a library — it’s a testament to the resilience of Mountain Maryland,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “I remember well just a year ago trudging through the deep mud and witnessing the overturned bookshelves alongside Governor Moore and local leaders. Moreover, I came away with a deep respect for the kind neighbors who quickly arrived with shovels in hand. At a time when the Trump Administration repeatedly denied well-deserved FEMA emergency funding, our Governor stepped up with aid because he believes that no Marylander should ever be left behind. I was proud to work with Team Maryland on recovery efforts and to witness our Governor’s $12 million investment in these communities so they have the necessary resources to rebuild and recover.”
“The Westernport Library has always been the heart of our town, a safe gathering space where our community connects, learns, and grows,” said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. “Governor Moore’s $12 million flood recovery investment, including his $1 million investment to rebuild our library, ensures that the heart of Westernport will beat stronger than ever. We are profoundly grateful for the governor’s recognition of what this space means to our residents, and for his standing by us as we rebuild our beloved community.”
“Disaster recovery takes partnership and collaboration at every level. We authorized the first-ever use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund for Allegany County residents which is still supporting recovery efforts today, and the placement of a Maryland Mesonet weather station in Westernport will enhance warnings for residents in future storms,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “We will continue to support Mountain Maryland in their recovery efforts.”
Governor Moore concluded his visit to Allegany and Garrett counties alongside Mayor Don Sincell at the newly relocated and restored Bethel AME Church in Mountain Lake Park. Originally established in Oakland in 1872, the church is the first historic African American house of worship in Garrett County. The structure was salvaged, relocated, and rededicated as a cultural center to share the overlooked history of Black railroad, farm, and service workers who helped build the Western Maryland region. The restoration project was made possible through a strong partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Historical Trust.
“Bethel AME Church is a cornerstone of our community’s history, and preserving it means preserving the soul of Mountain Lake Park and Garrett County,” said Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell. “We are incredibly grateful for the state funding that has made this relocation and restoration a reality. Having Governor Moore here to witness this milestone shows his genuine commitment to protecting the heritage and future of every Maryland town, no matter how small.”
The governor’s engagements in Allegany and Garrett counties began yesterday at Frostburg University, where he delivered the commencement address to the Frostburg State University (FSU) Class of 2026. The governor celebrated the exceptional service and action demonstrated by Class of 2026 and recognized the university’s vital civic role during the 2025 flood crisis. Later that afternoon, the governor joined bluegrass music legend and National Heritage Fellow Del McCoury at the 18th annual DelFest at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Before a crowd of thousands, Governor Moore declared Thursday, May 21, 2026, as “Del McCoury Day” in Maryland, celebrating Del’s legacy in traditional bluegrass and Appalachian culture.
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Maryland
Maryland leaders deflect as residents leave over costs
Maryland
Maryland SHA to assess Fallston intersection where teen died in dirt bike crash
HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — The Maryland State Highway Administration will be assessing the Fallston intersection where 16-year-old Tyler Benton was killed in a dirt bike crash earlier this month, Harford County Councilmember Alison Imhoff announced Thursday.
On May 5 around 2:30 p.m., troopers with the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack were called to the intersection of Fallston Road (MD-152) and Pleasantville Road for a crash involving a car and electric dirt bike.
ALSO READ | Fallston High School student killed after deadly crash in Harford County
The preliminary investigation found a Honda CR-V was traveling southbound on MD-152 and tried to make a left turn onto Pleasantville Rd. and that’s when an electric dirt bike traveling northbound on MD-152 hit the Honda on the passenger side, officials said.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the teen, who attended Fallston High School, to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation.
Once completed, the investigation will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Harford County to determine if charges will be filed.
SHA’s review should be done in the next 90 days, Councilmember Imhoff said.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
As the traffic flow and safety of the intersection are assessed, anyone with concerns or questions is asked to contact Councilmember Imhoff by emailing Abimhoff@harfordcountycouncil.com.
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