Maryland House passes multiple bills including paid family leave and franchise reform

The Maryland House of Delegates made significant strides in legislation during its session on March 17, 2025, passing multiple bills aimed at enhancing public welfare and economic development. Among the most notable decisions was the passage of House Bill 15-03, which establishes a paid family and medical leave policy for state employees. This legislation aligns state employee benefits with those available in the private sector, allowing for up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various family-related circumstances, including caring for sick family members and supporting military deployments.

The bill received strong support, passing with 101 votes in favor, reflecting a commitment to improving employee welfare within state government. The new policy is set to take effect alongside a broader program that will standardize leave benefits across the state, ensuring that state employees are not left behind in terms of family leave rights.

In addition to the family leave legislation, the House also passed House Bill 12-04, which mandates reporting requirements for student elopement in public and non-public schools, and House Bill 12-57, which addresses fee disclosures in landlord-tenant residential leases. Both bills received overwhelming support, with 136 and 135 votes in favor, respectively, indicating a strong legislative focus on education and housing issues.

Other significant measures included House Bill 9-92, aimed at reforming franchise registration processes to make Maryland more business-friendly by waiving certain fees and expediting review processes. This bill also passed with 136 votes, showcasing a bipartisan effort to stimulate economic growth.

The session concluded with a series of votes on various bills, all of which received the necessary constitutional majority, underscoring the House's active role in addressing pressing community needs and enhancing the quality of life for Maryland residents. As these new laws take effect, they are expected to have a lasting impact on families, businesses, and the overall welfare of the state.