From The Banner · Clara Longo de Freitas,Max Schaeffer · · 1m 30s
Maryland Laws Effective Oct 1
Maryland's new laws take effect Oct 1, 2026, including police transparency rules and gun restrictions.
In brief
Maryland's new laws take effect Oct 1, 2026, including police transparency rules and gun restrictions. Maryland's laws effective October 1, 2026, include police face ID requirements, cash payment protections, and gun restrictions. Originally reported by The Banner.
New Maryland laws effective Oct 1
Maryland lawmakers passed hundreds of bills during the session earlier this year that will become law on October 1, 2026.
Police face ID requirements
Law enforcement officers must wear visible identification including agency name, last name, and badge number while on duty.
Masked police banned
Law enforcement officers working in the state, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, cannot use face coverings or masks.
Cash payment protections
Businesses cannot refuse cash payments for essential goods under $300 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Rap lyrics as evidence banned
Maryland will become the third state to restrict prosecutors using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials.
Gun restrictions
Maryland will ban machine gun convertible pistols including popular Glock handguns by January 1, 2027.
Stalking penalties increased
Maximum fines for stalking with prior offense double to $10,000 with prison sentences increasing from five to ten years.
Protective orders extended
Temporary protective orders can last up to 14 days instead of seven days for domestic abuse victims.
Housing act for homeless
Landlords cannot require drug or alcohol tests for tenants managing five or more residential units.
The main idea
Maryland's laws effective October 1, 2026, include police face ID requirements, cash payment protections, and gun restrictions.
