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MD HB1604

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/17/2026

Primary Sponsor

Ken Kerr

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits public school system contracts from requiring indemnification, hold harmless clauses, or binding arbitration without appropriated funds
  • Bars contract provisions that designate venues outside Maryland courts, limit contractor liability for negligence or misconduct, or bind school systems to unknown or unilaterally changeable terms
  • Prevents automatic renewal clauses that obligate future fiscal year funding, and protects school systems' right to select their own legal counsel
  • Declares any prohibited provision void ab initio, with the remainder of the contract remaining enforceable under Maryland state law
  • Applies prospectively to contracts executed on or after July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Public School System Contracts - Prohibited Provisions

Local Government Mandates

Last Action

Rereferred to Ways and Means

3/16/2026

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means3/16/2026
Rules and Executive Nominations2/17/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available