MD HB833

Reestablishes the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland with expanded membership, adding representatives from the Maryland Port Administration, ocean freight shipping, property casualty and commercial insurance industries, Land and Materials Administration, Towing and Recovery Professionals, and Maryland Turfgrass Council

Commission will study and recommend best practices to prevent, detect, and suppress lithium-ion battery fires in consumer, transportation, utility, and recycling facility applications, following NFPA 855 Standards for grid scale storage

Expanded mandate includes evaluating battery risks at the Port of Baltimore and on roads, rail, and tunnels; impacts on insurance providers and coverage availability; and viability of extended producer responsibility for lithium-ion batteries

Interim report due to the Legislative Policy Committee by December 1, 2026, with final findings and recommendations due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2027

Takes effect June 1, 2026 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2028 without further legislative action