As we all know, new laws passed by the MD General Assemble typically go into effect either on July 1st or October 1st.  The following was provided by Delegate Nic Kipke in regards to the new laws that went into effect on 10/1/2017:

Hundreds of new laws will take effect in Maryland on Sunday, October 1, 2017.  The entire list is available at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/LegisLegal/2017rs-effective-dates-october.pdf, and here are a some bills of note:

HB 584 – Investigational Drugs, Biological Products, and Devices - Right to Try Act: This bill will increase terminally ill patients’ access to investigational treatments, drugs and devices.  It would allow patients to try new approaches that could be life-saving.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0584&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 1275 - State Government - Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans' Services Specialists: Each unit of state government must designate a Veterans’ Service Specialist with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).  This employee is responsible for assisting veterans who contact or are employed by that unit. If the unit does not provide services to veterans a referral must be made to MDVA.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb1275&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 851 - Landlord and Tenant - Military Personnel - Limitation on Liability for Rent:  When military personnel undergo a change of assignment, the amount of rent the member or spouse is liable for under a residential lease is now capped at 30 days plus the cost of any damages to the property.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0851&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 738 - Criminal Law - Sex Offenses - Out-of-State Convictions: This bill enhances the penalties for repeat sex offenders who have been convicted of prior sex crimes in other states.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0738&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 1402 - Property Tax Appeals - Payment of Refunds - Deadline and Notice: If a property tax assessment is successfully appealed and reduced, the taxing entity must now provide a refund within 30 days. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2017RS/fnotes/bil_0002/hb1402.pdf

HB 879 - Public Integrity Act of 2017 – This very important piece of legislation tightens ethics standards for public officials and lobbyists by expanding conflict of interest rules, increasing reporting requirements and providing for more stringent penalties. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0879&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 664 - State Government - Display of the POW/MIA Flag on State Building Grounds: State buildings will now fly the POW/MIA flag to honor service members who were prisoners of war or considered missing in action.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0664&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 603 - Vehicle Laws - Out-of-State Vehicles - Required Security: This bill alters the defined term "required security" as it applies to motor vehicles in the State to include specified security for out-of-state motor vehicles. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0603&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

SB 130 - Election Law - Ballot Issues - Contributions or Donations by Foreign Principals: Foreign nationals will no longer be allowed to contribute to ballot issue efforts in Maryland. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0130&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 669 - Public Schools - Boards of Education - Anonymous Two-Way Electronic Tip Programs: Boards of Education may now establish anonymous two-way tip programs allowing students, parents, relatives or staff to report bullying, harassment, or intimidation. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0669&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 619 - Election Law - Campaign Signs at Polling Places: Campaign signs at polling places may now be displayed beginning at 5:00 pm the day before the early voting period begins and the day before Election Day.  Previously the time had been 7:00 pm.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0619&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 293 - Family Law - Divorce - Domestic Violence Order: Prior to the passage of this bill, a domestic violence protection order was inadmissible as evidence at divorce proceedings.   http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0293&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 631 - Public Health - Essential Off-Patent or Generic Drugs - Price Gouging – Prohibition: Essential generic drugs are protected from exorbitant price increases. Manufacturers and wholesalers will be reported to the Attorney General and subject to civil penalties.  http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0631&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS

HB 642 - Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse - Statute of Limitations and Required Findings: The statute expands the limitation for child sexual abuse damage cases. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0642&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS