Here are some Maryland laws going into effect on July 1

Hundreds of bills passed by Maryland lawmakers earlier this year will become law come July 1.

From legislation surrounding housing and higher education to vaccines and phones in schools, here are some that may affect you.

Energy bills and gas tax

Marylanders will get a $150 relief on soaring energy bills through the Utility RELIEF Act. The legislation also imposes a tariff on developers of data centers coming to the region and cuts red tape for residential solar panels by improving the permitting process.

Gas taxes, however, are increasing by roughly six-tenths of a penny to 46.6 cents per gallon, according to the comptroller of Maryland’s office.

Vaccine recommendations

Lawmakers introduced the Vax Act after federal officials rolled back several vaccine recommendations, including flu shots for children. This legislation gives the state authority to recommend immunizations, screenings and preventive services, rather than relying on federal guidance. Lawmakers recently passed another legislation that ensures insurance providers cover the cost of vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, according to a news release.

“The federal government’s rapid shifts and the unnecessary confusion surrounding vaccine policy put public health at risk,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement in January. “In Maryland, we will continue to protect our people by ensuring our guidance is driven by proven science, not political headwinds.”

Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act

The legislation, named after District 24’s former representative, requires school boards to come up with phone-free policies by the 2027-28 academic year. All schools must prohibit “electronic communication device use” during the school day, according to the legislation, with some exceptions.

Other new laws related to public schools include one that allows excused absences for students due to civic engagement — such as testifying at a hearing and meeting with lawmakers — and another that requires school systems to identify accessibility issues for disabled students.

Higher education

In 2021, all public middle and high schools were required to provide menstrual hygiene products to students for free. Earlier this year lawmakers passed a similar law that would apply to higher education institutions, where all health centers at universities with on-campus housing must provide free menstrual hygiene products by August 2028.

Under another law, higher education institutions and community colleges must submit a report on contraception access to the Maryland Higher Education Commission every year. Community colleges must also provide access to all methods of over-the-counter contraception.

Transportation and housing

The Maryland Transportation Authority now must submit reports to lawmakers regarding E-ZPass discount plans and unused commuter trips. The agency must also provide recommendations that will lower the amount of unused commuter trips, including allowing rollovers or credits and other alternative discounts and refunds.

Under the Safe and Healthy Homes For All Act, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community must develop a plan to identify severe health and safety risk properties in the state. The list must be published on the department’s website and the department must submit the plan with recommendations to the governor’s office by August 2027.