KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- New 2026 laws across Maryland and Virginia affect wages, health care, housing, and consumer rights.
- Major wins include expanded insurance coverage, higher worker protections, and stronger homeowner safeguards.
- Most changes take effect January 1, 2026, with real financial impact for millions of residents.
The start of 2026 brings a wave of new state laws that will directly affect how people work, pay for health care, protect their homes, and deal with everyday consumer issues. For residents of Maryland and Virginia, these changes aren’t theoretical — they show up in paychecks, insurance bills, and legal protections almost immediately.
Some proposals across the region are still being phased in, but many of the most impactful rules kick in on January 1, 2026. Here’s what matters most, explained without the legal jargon.
| State | Area Affected | What Changes in 2026 | Who Benefits Most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Housing | New tax-sale protections for homeowners and heirs | Families, inherited-property owners |
| Maryland | Health Care | Expanded insurance coverage, no step therapy for insulin | Patients, seniors, firefighters |
| Maryland | Labor | Home-care workers must be employees for reimbursement | Care workers, vulnerable residents |
| Virginia | Wages | Minimum wage increases to $12.77/hour | Hourly workers |
| Virginia | Insurance | No out-of-pocket costs for cancer screenings | Patients |
| Virginia | Consumer Protection | Stronger telemarketing and social media rules | Families, minors |
Maryland Laws Taking Effect in 2026
Maryland’s updates are heavily focused on health care access, housing stability, and worker protections. For many residents, these changes reduce out-of-pocket costs and prevent sudden financial shocks.
Stronger Tax-Sale Protections for Homeowners and Heirs
Starting January 1, 2026, Maryland law HB 0059 limits when counties can sell owner-occupied homes or inherited properties at tax sales. Counties must now withhold qualifying properties and allow families to formally register homes for protection.
This also expands rules preventing small tax debts from triggering a sale and improves notice requirements so families have more time and clearer information before a home is at risk.
Domestic Violence Training Required for Barbers and Cosmetologists
Maryland now requires all new and renewing barber and cosmetology licenses to include at least one hour of approved domestic violence awareness training. The training can be completed in person or online and focuses on recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond safely.
Rideshare Drivers Get Weekly Pay Transparency
Under HB 861, rideshare companies must provide drivers with weekly earnings summaries and report annual trip data to the state. Approved May 13, 2025, this rule improves transparency for drivers who rely on app-based income.
Faster Pediatric Hospital Transfers
Insurance companies can no longer require prior authorization when a child needs to be transferred to a specialized pediatric hospital. This applies to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Program, and private insurers, removing delays during medical emergencies.
Firefighters Receive No-Cost Cancer Screenings
Beginning January 1, 2026, counties with self-insured health plans must cover preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters at $0 out-of-pocket. That means no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance.
The screenings follow nationally recognized guidelines and may include blood tests, imaging, and other early-detection tools. The state will also study long-term effectiveness, with a report due by December 1, 2028.
Expanded Insurance Protections and Coverage
Maryland is also locking in several patient-focused rules:
- Out-of-network specialists must be covered at in-network rates when no suitable provider exists.
- Insurers cannot limit anesthesia coverage based on time.
- Coronary calcium score tests must be covered for eligible patients.
- Insulin step therapy is banned, preventing treatment delays for diabetes patients.
- Supportive medications for metastatic cancer cannot be delayed by step therapy rules.
- Adult hearing aids must now be covered when medically necessary.
Home-Care Workers Must Be Employees
Under the Homecare Worker Rights Act, residential service agencies can only receive state reimbursement if caregivers are classified as employees, not independent contractors. The goal is to stabilize the workforce and improve care quality for seniors and people with disabilities.
Virginia Laws Taking Effect in 2026
Virginia’s 2026 laws focus on public health, consumer rights, and worker pay.
Minimum Wage Increase
Virginia’s minimum wage rises from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour in 2026. It’s a modest increase, but for full-time workers, it adds up over the year.
Higher Unemployment Benefits
Workers who lose their jobs will receive $52 more per week in unemployment benefits. This change aims to provide more breathing room during job searches.
No-Cost Cancer Screenings
Health insurers must fully cover:
- Breast cancer screenings (mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds)
- Prostate cancer screenings following American Cancer Society guidelines
Patients will no longer pay out-of-pocket when these tests are ordered by a doctor.
Baby Food Safety Rules
Manufacturers must regularly test infant formula for toxic heavy metals and disclose results on labels and websites. Suspected violations must be reported to state regulators.
Stronger Consumer and Privacy Protections
- Telemarketing texts can be permanently stopped by replying “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE”, with requests honored for 10 years.
- Social media platforms must limit users under 16 to one hour per day, unless parents approve changes.
Clearer Court Fine Statements
Defendants can now request written or electronic breakdowns of fines and balances, helping avoid confusion and unexpected penalties.
What About Washington, D.C.?
Several proposals affecting wages, public safety, and health care are still pending or rolling out in phases. Not all impacts are finalized as 2026 begins, so DC residents should expect more updates throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these laws automatically apply on January 1, 2026?
Most do, but some include phased enforcement or reporting requirements that roll out over time.
Will insurance premiums increase because of these changes?
Possibly in some cases, but lawmakers argue early screenings and preventive care may reduce long-term costs.
Do these laws affect private employers?
Yes. Many insurance, wage, and notification rules apply to private employers and insurers operating in Maryland or Virginia.
Join