Maryland Passes $70.8B Budget, Energy Reform, and Foster Care Changes in 2026 Legislative Session

About this episode

Maryland lawmakers concluded the 2026 legislative session, passing significant budget and policy changes including a $70.8 billion budget and reforms in energy and foster care.

Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis recently wrapped up their 2026 legislative session after a brisk 90 days, passing sweeping changes to the state budget, immigration policies, energy costs, and criminal justice, according to the Associated Press. Governor Wes Moore signed about 140 new laws, including a ban on using hotels, homeless shelters, or medical facilities for foster care placements, addressing long-standing criticisms. The $70.8 billion balanced budget closed a $1.4 billion deficit through spending cuts and fund transfers, though economists warn of looming deficits as spending outpaces revenue, per the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. On the business front, a compromise energy bill promises modest utility relief for residents while boosting in-state generation, with Governor Moore, Senate President Ferguson, and Speaker Peña-Melnyk set to discuss it further. Lawmakers also advanced measures to cut red tape on permitting and regulations to attract businesses amid rising costs and outmigration. In Baltimore, Moore unveiled a $1.4 billion transit plan to redevelop land near hubs into housing and mixed-use areas, potentially adding thousands of units and tax revenue, though…

Topics covered

• Maryland budget
• energy reform
• foster care changes
• legislative session
• criminal justice
• business regulations

Keywords

• Maryland
• budget
• energy reform
• foster care
• legislation
• Governor Wes Moore
• criminal justice
• Baltimore
• Annapolis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Spotlight on Maryland

Places: Maryland, Annapolis, Baltimore

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