MD HB188

Entities owned, operated, or controlled by governments of countries under federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations embargoes (22 C.F.R. § 126.1(d)(1) or (2)) are prohibited from bidding on or entering contracts with Maryland state, local, or public bodies

Board of Public Works must create and publish a list of scrutinized entities by December 31, 2025, update it every 180 days, and provide 90 days' written notice before adding any person to the list

Starting January 1, 2026, all bidders must certify they are not on the scrutinized entities list when submitting bids or renewing contracts for goods or services

False certification penalties include civil fines of $250,000 or twice the contract amount (whichever is greater), contract termination, payment of investigation costs, and a minimum 3-year ban from public contracts

State law preempts any conflicting local ordinances; the Act automatically expires if federal law no longer authorizes such state provisions