Author: MCEC Staff Published: 4/17/2026 MCEC
The Maryland Clean Energy Center monitors activity throughout the session, looking for legislation relevant to our mission and YOUR interest in advancing the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. Visit our Policy Updates page for meeting recordings and a full list of tracked bills that might impact your bottom line and our environment.
The 448th Session: Our Final Count
The 448th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended successfully, with Maryland’s 188 State Representatives celebrating Sine Die. With a challenging structural deficit, legislators introduced and reviewed close to 3,500 pieces of legislation, including the budget bills.
MCEC staff monitored one hundred and fourteen (114) pieces of legislation relevant to our mission and the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. Sixteen (16) energy-related bills passed their chamber of origination, the opposing chamber, were returned passed or passed enrolled, and presented to the Governor for his signature. Ninety-eight (98) failed due to sponsor withdrawal, unfavorable reports by the assigned committee, or remaining in the assigned committee. When comparing the passage of energy-related legislation to last year’s session, 14% of the bills we tracked passed this year, compared to the 18% that passed last year. We must consider the thirteen (13) bills that were amended into SB0841/HB1532 – Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act.
Staff identified five common themes among the energy-related legislation during the 2026 legislative session: Energy Affordability, Reliability, and Security; Grid Infrastructure, Solar Programs, and Energy Storage; Impact Assessments, Reports, and Studies; Clean Transportation; and Environmental Regulations, Permitting, and Environmental Justice. We observed bills in all categories passing through the process slower than anticipated. With twenty-two (22) pieces of legislation crossing to the opposing chamber on March 23, sixteen (16) bills were presented to the Governor for his signature. Tuesday, February 17, marked the first day of bill signings that included immigration protection.
Visit the MCEC website below to view the full list of legislation, and make sure to subscribe to the MCEC newsletter for regular updates on policy, grants, and more!
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