Friday Five
March 27, 2026 | This week's latest on Maryland business and government
1 — Crossover Day starts ‘final sprint’ for MD legislature on priorities from budget to energy
Senate President Bill Ferguson and legislative leaders are pushing through priority bills, including energy legislation aimed at lowering utility costs and a $70.7 billion state budget that passed quickly with bipartisan support. The budget includes funding for education, Medicaid and energy relief while maintaining a surplus and avoiding new taxes, though it relies on spending cuts and fund transfers. Republicans argue the measures fall short of providing meaningful immediate relief and fail to address Maryland’s longer-term structural deficit.
What's next: The budget has now passed both the House and Senate in slightly different forms, and lawmakers are heading into conference committee today to reconcile those differences before final package is passage.
2 — Bill to add permitting constraints in polluted communities stumbles
A key environmental justice proposal known as the CHERISH Our Communities Act has stalled in the Maryland legislature after encountering resistance from lawmakers and industry groups concerned about new permitting requirements and potential impacts on development. The bill would have required regulators to consider cumulative pollution impacts in overburdened communities, but disagreements over its scope, cost and implementation have slowed its progress. Supporters argue it is critical for protecting communities, while opponents warn it could complicate permitting and hinder economic activity.
Where we stand: As drafted, this proposal would introduce significant regulatory uncertainty by applying broad cumulative impact reviews to new and existing permits and creating a framework that would require permit denial in certain cases, even for compliant facilities. We expressed concerns that the bill would risk delaying projects, increasing costs and discouraging investment. A more balanced approach is needed to protect communities while maintaining a predictable permitting process that supports jobs and growth.
3 — Maryland Supreme Court dismisses climate lawsuits from Baltimore and Annapolis
Maryland’s highest court dismissed climate lawsuits brought by Baltimore, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County against major oil companies, ruling that the claims cannot proceed under state law because federal law governs issues involving interstate and global emissions. The court found the lawsuits attempted to regulate worldwide pollution through state-level claims and failed to meet legal standards under Maryland law. The decision marks a significant setback for local governments seeking damages tied to climate impacts and could influence similar cases across the country.
What we did: The Maryland Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, supported this outcome through an amicus brief.
4 — Working together: Bills passed unanimously by Crossover Day deadline
Maryland lawmakers advanced a number of bipartisan measures before Monday's Crossover Day deadline that passed unanimously out of their originating chamber, including public safety, education transparency, data privacy, tax exemptions for school book fairs and protections against deepfake fraud. Several bills addressing drainage safety, naloxone access, foster youth oversight and artificial intelligence guidance in schools also sailed through with no opposition, signaling broad legislative agreement on a range of issues.
Where things stand for business: Many of the most concerning proposals we tracked did not advance, including minimum wage increases. Only about a dozen bills we opposed are still moving, including proposals on dynamic pricing and captive audience meetings. At the same time, key priorities we support are advancing, including workforce and job fair initiatives, as well as the historic license plate bill supporting the state's Transportation Trust Fund.
5 — Where do Governor Moore’s 2026 bills stand?
Governor Moore brought five bills to the Maryland General Assembly in 2026, with four advancing through committees while the Lower Bills and Local Power Act stalled. His legislation, covering areas from vaccine authority and transit-oriented development to consumer protections and economic incentives, underwent amendments in both chambers, leaving lawmakers to reconcile differences in conference committees before final passage. Each bill saw changes ranging from added reporting requirements and local approval provisions to expanded tax credits and restrictions on dynamic pricing practices.
What's to come: The General Assembly must pass a final budget in both chambers before adjournment on April 13, 2026, after which bills are sent to Governor Moore for signature or veto. The governor is given 30 days to act on bills once presented.
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The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocacy organization — committed to working with our alliance of partners on critical public policy issues. With a focus on economic development and grassroots advocacy, we impact policies that directly affect Maryland business.
