1-02-2025 4:50am

FINES DOUBLE &

These New MD Laws Go Into Effect On Jan. 1

From traffic laws to health insurance coverage changes, here are some of more than a dozen laws going into effect on Jan. 1.

Maryland legislators passed hundreds of new laws in 2024. While many have already gone into effect, the new year will bring several more into play that state residents need to know.

From traffic laws to health insurance coverage changes to opioid overdose treatment, here are some of more than a dozen laws going into effect on Jan. 1:

Maryland Road Worker Protection Act

Additional provisions for the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act will go into effect on Jan. 1.

In June, fines for speed violations in state work zones increase from $40 to $80. The increase was part of a law that Gov. Wes Moore signed into law in April.

On Jan. 1, speed violation fines will convert to a tiered system based on how fast the vehicle is traveling above the speed limit. Fines range from $60 to $500 and will double if road workers are present, state officials said.

Housing Expansion And Affordability Act

In April, Gov. Moore signed into law legislation that will provide additional resources to solve the state's housing shortage. The bill is designed to address the housing supply and affordability crisis, and also targets areas where housing construction is most needed.

The law prohibits jurisdictions from denying the construction of manufactured and modular homes in single-family zones.

Hearing Aids For Adults

This legislation will require insurers, nonprofit health service plans and health maintenance organizations that provide certain health insurance benefits to provide coverage for certain hearing aids for adults. Benefits are limited to $1,400 per hearing every 36 months.

Opioid Overdoses and Opioid-Related Emergencies

HB 1155 and SB 1071 require hospitals to follow specific protocols when treating opioid-related emergencies. The bills also require hospitals to implement standard practices for screening and diagnosing opioid emergencies, as well as referring patients for further treatment before discharging them.

Coverage For Prostheses

Maryland House Bill 865, also known as the "So Every Body Can Move Act," requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and state commercial plans to provide certain coverage for orthoses, prostheses and replacement prostheses. The bill also prohibits also insurers from implementing higher co-payments for coverage.

Election Judge Recruitment

In an interview with the Baltimore Banner, City Board of Elections Director Armstead Jones said the city is “in great need of more election judges.” A new law going into effect could help. According to the Banner, the State Board of Elections is now required to develop a marketing campaign to recruit people to serve as election judges. The law also says county employees who serve as election judges must receive administrative leave and compensation.

See a full list of new laws going into effect on Jan. 1, compiled by Fox 5 DC.