Our Advocacy at Work: 2026

If business can’t compete, Maryland can’t compete.

This legislative session, Maryland's business community made sure its voice was at the table — and it made a difference. The Maryland Chamber engaged on more than 200 bills, influencing outcomes on the issues that matter most to Maryland employers. From stopping harmful proposals to improving flawed legislation before it could do damage, our advocacy is building momentum toward a more competitive Maryland.

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123 Bills Defeated

Key 2026 Victories

Stopped Minimum Wage Proposals: $18 and $25 bills blocked
Taxes: Defeated bills that would have enabled counties to raise new taxes on businesses, decoupled Maryland from federal changes and limited economic growth
Anti-Business Legislation: Halted bills that would have established joint and several liability for general contractors, overregulated workforce issues and subjected businesses to burdensome operation requirements
Transportation: Prevented proposals that would have significantly increased the cost of critical road and bridge projects, deferred key investments and disrupted transportation priorities
Environmental Regulation: Stopped proposals that would have added costly regulatory burdens, delayed permitting and hindered economic development
Civil Liability: Blocked bills that would have removed the non-economic damages cap, expanded civil liability and created untenable liability scenarios for businesses

Why This Matters

Harmful mandates and policies don't just impact large employers — they ripple through businesses of all sizes statewide, driving up costs and weakening Maryland's economy.

This isn’t politics — it’s business protection for Maryland’s economy

From family businesses to major employers, we amplify every Maryland business voice. One business owner calling gets ignored; 1,000+ speaking together gets results.

That kind of engagement doesn't happen by accident, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Different industries. Different issues. One consistent message: Maryland's competitiveness is not a partisan issue — it's an economic imperative.

98% Success Rate

220 Business-Relevant Bills Closely Tracked

20,000+ Messages to Lawmakers Sent

30 Industry Groups & Chambers Collaborated

The Bottom Line

These victories protect jobs, prevent new costs and help keep Maryland competitive with states like Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. But more harmful proposals are sure to return in the 2027 session, and the business community's engagement will be needed more than ever.

The Maryland Chamber needs active involvement from the business community because policymakers must hear directly from job creators about how proposed laws and regulations affect growth. Get involved today.

The Bigger Picture

One of the clearest lessons of this session: too often, policy gets made one issue at a time — without fully accounting for the cumulative impact on Maryland's economic competitiveness.

That's why the business community can't afford to sit on the sidelines.

The standard we're holding policymakers to is straightforward: Is this good for affordability? Does it create predictability? Does it support long-term economic growth? If Maryland isn't competitive for business, it isn't competitive — period.

What’s Coming in 2027

Ongoing pressure on energy affordability, looming budget-driven taxes, expanded tech and AI oversight and mounting regulatory mandates — all poised to increase costs, stifle innovation and put Maryland jobs and businesses at risk. The time to act is now — join the Maryland Chamber in defending jobs and businesses across Maryland.

Join Us May 13

On May 13, our Accelerate Maryland Economic Forum will bring business leaders and policymakers together around one question: what does a competitive Maryland look like — and how do we get there?

Join 2027's Fight