(The Center Square) – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has signed hundreds of bills into law following the 2026 legislative session, approving measures tied to grocery pricing practices, voting rights, public safety and financial regulations.
Among the measures signed this spring is the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act. The governor’s office said it is intended to limit certain pricing practices tied to consumer data.
The law applies to some large food retailers and third-party delivery platforms and covers certain tax-exempt food items. Moore’s office said the measure makes Maryland the first state in the country to restrict some forms of what it describes as surveillance-based pricing practices in the food retail sector.
Moore also signed the Voting Rights Act of 2026, Senate Bill 255, which authorizes legal action against local voting practices alleged to dilute the votes of protected groups. The legislation was backed by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and voting rights advocacy organizations, including the Legal Defense Fund.
Other bills signed include House Bill 284, which requires licensed firearm dealers to notify the Secretary of State Police within 24 hours if they become aware certain security features have been compromised or if certain crimes occur involving firearms.
Moore also signed additional requirements tied to Maryland’s Ignition Interlock System Program for some drivers convicted of alcohol-related offenses under House Bill 286. Under the law, certain individuals with suspended or revoked licenses tied to alcohol violations will be required to use a breathalyzer device connected to their vehicle before it can start.
Moore also signed Senate Bill 94 regulating earned wage access providers, companies that allow workers to access earned wages before payday. The governor’s office said the measure makes Maryland the first state in the nation to prohibit providers from requesting tips on those products.
The grocery pricing measure drew debate during the legislative process.
The Maryland Retailers Alliance said existing Maryland consumer protection laws already prohibit deceptive or discriminatory pricing practices. The group also said the new law does not ban individualized grocery pricing as described by supporters.
Consumer Reports, meanwhile, said the final version of the law contained loopholes and weak enforcement provisions, while still supporting the broader effort to limit what it described as surveillance pricing practices.
Several of the measures, including the grocery pricing law, take effect Oct. 1.
