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Bill > HB903
MD HB903
Courts - Global Warming and Climate Change - Prohibited Actions (Ratepayer Protection Act of 2025)
summary
Introduced
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibiting the State or a local government, or an agency of the State or a local government, from filing an action for monetary damages or alleged economic damages against a business for the adverse effects of global warming or climate change in the State.
AI Summary
This bill prevents the state of Maryland, local governments, or their agencies from filing lawsuits seeking monetary or economic damages against businesses related to the impacts of global warming or climate change. The bill defines key terms such as "business" (which includes a wide range of entities from sole proprietorships to financial institutions) and provides specific definitions for "global warming" (the rise in global temperatures due to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations) and "climate change" (long-term shifts in climate measures like precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns). Importantly, the bill does not prevent the government from enforcing existing health, environmental, zoning, or other laws, nor does it absolve businesses from complying with federal, state, or local regulations. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and appears designed to protect businesses from potential climate-related litigation by limiting the state's ability to sue for damages associated with global warming or climate change effects.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (37)
Jason Buckel (R)*,
Chris Adams (R),
Steve Arentz (R),
Lauren Arikan (R),
Terry Baker (R),
Barry Beauchamp (R),
Christopher Bouchat (R),
Brian Chisholm (R),
Barrie Ciliberti (R),
April Fleming Miller (R),
Jeff Ghrist (R),
Robin Grammer (R),
Mike Griffith (R),
Wayne Hartman (R),
Jim Hinebaugh (R),
Kevin Hornberger (R),
Seth Howard (R),
Tom Hutchinson (R),
Jay Jacobs (R),
Nic Kipke (R),
Bob Long (R),
Nino Mangione (R),
Susan McComas (R),
Matt Morgan (R),
Todd Morgan (R),
Ryan Nawrocki (R),
LaToya Nkongolo (R),
Charles Otto (R),
Jesse Pippy (R),
Teresa Reilly (R),
April Rose (R),
Stuart Schmidt (R),
Josh Stonko (R),
Kathy Szeliga (R),
Chris Tomlinson (R),
William Valentine (R),
William Wivell (R),
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 2/27/2025 ) (on 02/27/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0903?ys=2025RS |
| Racial Equity Impact | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/BudgetFiscal/2025RS-HB0903-REIN.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb0903f.pdf |
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